Surviving While Short-Handed
The Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns’ goal for the season is clear: Make the playoffs. The Chargers (2-2) were expected to be Super Bowl contenders while the Browns (2-2) have an outside shot of making the postseason as they await quarterback Deshaun Watson’s return in Week 13.
Los Angeles is dealing with various injuries to instrumental players, like offensive tackle Rashawn Slater and defensive end Joey Bosa. Both teams are trying to stay in the playoff picture with key pieces out.
Let’s check the latest NFL odds, stats, injury reports, and NFL lines for Chargers vs Browns. We’ve plenty of NFL Vegas odds for you to consider.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers need others to step up with star players out. All-Pro tackle Slater is out for the season (biceps), defensive end Bosa is out 8-10 weeks (groin) and wide receiver Keenan Allen has missed three games as he battles a hamstring injury. In Week 4’s 34-24 win against the Houston Texans, players rose to the occasion.
Sixth-round rookie tackle Jamaree Salyer was excellent in his first career start. Los Angeles will sorely miss Slater, but Salyer’s play provided some relief. In addition, the interior defensive line generated plenty of pressure against Houston. The Bolts finished with four sacks and 10 QB hits. Defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day (one sack and two tackles for loss) had a big showing. Without wideout Allen, targets have been up for grabs. Tight end Gerald Everett is becoming a key piece in the passing game.
The Chargers must find consistency going forward. Against the Texans, Los Angeles got out to a fast start as the offense hit plenty of explosive plays. After leading 27-7 at halftime, Houston scored 17 points unanswered. The Chargers sealed the deal with a late touchdown via running back Austin Ekeler. Los Angeles is still searching for a complete performance.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns’ offense has played well through four games. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett comes off a poor game in the 23-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. However, Cleveland’s offense still had success with over 400 yards. The run game was a force yet again, posting 177 rushing yards on 5.1 yards per carry. Running back Nick Chubb finished with 118 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Nick Chubb’s 28-yard TD run gives the @Browns the lead!
📺: #CLEvsATL on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/STAseXeWq8 pic.twitter.com/d4Q9sRW2Qr— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022
The defense must be better. It folded in the fourth quarter, surrendering 13 points. The pass rush struggled without defensive ends Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney. Heading into the season, the defensive tackle group looked like a major weak spot. So far, that’s been the case. The run defense has been inconsistent, as it allowed over 200 rushing yards against Atlanta. Cornerback Denzel Ward’s play was a bright spot in the loss.
Furthermore, coach Kevin Stefanski had more questionable play-calling last week. He leaned too much on Brissett and the passing attack. Chubb running behind one of the NFL’s best offensive lines is without a doubt Cleveland’s biggest strength. Stefanski needs to ride the run when it matters most.
Chargers vs Browns Game Injuries
Chargers vs Browns Head-to-Head
The Chargers have won three consecutive matchups against the Browns and eight of the last 10 dating back to 2003.
Chargers vs Browns Game Information
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 9
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH
- How to watch Chargers vs Browns? ESPN
Chargers vs Browns Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
Chargers vs Browns Betting Lines
Chargers vs Browns Prediction
Like last season, the Chargers cannot stop the run. They rank 31st in allowed yards per carry (5.4), but opponents are running the ball on only 34% of plays (fourth). The Browns average 37.3 rushes per game (second). Plus, Stefanski could look to run more often following his questionable decisions against Atlanta. In addition, Garrett’s return from injury looks likely. Cleveland’s pass defense could hold strong thanks to Ward’s play and Garrett’s presence. The Browns will grab a crucial win against the Chargers.
“The odds and predictions in the article are based on time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.”
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Chargers vs Browns Game Summary
