Bet on Titans ATS vs Browns in Low-Scoring Affair
The Tennessee Titans (1-1) and Cleveland Browns (1-1) meet for a Week 3 battle. Current Super Bowl odds have the Titans priced at +2500 and the Browns at +6500. While neither team is among the top Super Bowl contenders, both are expected to make playoff pushes. Tennessee is +150 to make the postseason and Cleveland is -140.
Week 3 will be the first look at the Browns without running back Nick Chubb, who sustained a devastating knee injury on Monday Night Football. Cleveland is expected to start Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt re-signed with the team. The Titans are hoping to pull off the upset with uncertainty in the Browns’ backfield.
Run Games, Imposing Defenses Lead to Under
The Titans and Browns feature run-heavy offenses. Cleveland is first in rushing attempts per game and Tennessee is 13th. How does this impact NFL betting?
Both offenses should get fewer possessions, leading to a low-scoring game. As we know, run attacks keep the clock moving, which shortens the game. This should be a big component of this matchup.
In addition, both defenses have excelled. The Browns have allowed only one touchdown through two games. They also rank second in allowed points and yards per game. If this unit continues to dominate at this level, Cleveland’s 2024 Super Bowl odds will continue to drop.
This hit and forced fumble by Denzel Ward 😳 pic.twitter.com/0hLf4fjfQq
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) September 19, 2023
The Titans are 11th in allowed points per game. In-depth stats suggest Tennessee’s defense could be on the rise, though. The front seven is off to an exceptional start, ranking third in pass rush win rate and fourth in run stuff rate. If the defensive line continues to consistently shed blocks, NFL future odds for the Titans will begin to look more favorable.
Considering the run games and defenses, the under feels like the best bet. The under is also 5-1 in Tennessee’s previous six games.
NFL Pick: Under 39½ (-110)
Watson Circled as the Key
Ultimately, this game could come down to quarterback Deshaun Watson. After receiving glowing reviews in the offseason, Watson does not look any better compared to last season. In the first two games, he posted 67.3 and 70.3 passer ratings. For reference, the league average is usually around the mid-80s to low-90s. If Watson does not improve, Cleveland’s Super Bowl odds for 2024 could look bleak.
Watson must step up in this matchup. The Titans’ clear weakness is the secondary. They rank 28th in allowed passing yards per game. This is nothing new, as the unit ranked last in the category last season.
Following Chubb’s season-ending injury, the Browns could look to run the ball less. Tennessee also features a formidable run defense (second in allowed yards per carry). The Titans’ safety Amani Hooker is also questionable with a concussion.
Cleveland must win through the air. Watson has yet to show he can carry the load, though. Plus, Tennessee’s quarterback Ryan Tannehill was excellent last week, completing 20 of 24 passes with 246 yards and a 123.3 passer rating. Take the underdog to cover the spread.
NFL Pick: Tennessee Titans +3½ (-120)
Titans vs Browns Betting Lines
Titans vs Browns Game Information
- Game: Titans vs Browns
- Date/Time: Sunday, Sept. 24, 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH
- Titans vs Browns Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
Titans vs Browns Game Weather Conditions
The forecast is calling for temperatures in the low-70s with a 7% chance of rain. The wind could affect the passing games, as gusts could reach up to 20 mph.
Predicted Score: Browns 17, Titans 16
