NFL Lines for Oct. 22: Browns Favored Over Colts

· Oct 20 - 4 minutes read

The Indianapolis Colts find themselves as a slight home underdog against the Cleveland Browns. Let’s check out our NFL expert picks for Oct. 22, including the matchup between the Browns and Colts.

The Colts are three-point dogs as questions surround the quarterbacks for both teams. The over-under is set at 40 points in the Las Vegas NFL odds.

NFL Lines for Oct. 22: Browns Favored Over Colts

Deshaun Watson has been sidelined and is not a lock to play against Indianapolis. Gardner Minshew will start at quarterback for the Colts as the team has ruled out rookie Anthony Richardson for the rest of the season.

Here is a look at my NFL predictions for this Browns-Colts matchup.

The Browns Have Wins Over 49ers, Titans and Bengals

The Browns are the talk of the NFL after becoming the first team to defeat the 49ers this season with their 19-17 upset victory. Cleveland was able to pull out the win despite Phillip Walker starting at quarterback and failing to throw a touchdown pass.

Things didn’t go as smoothly for Indianapolis after sustaining a 17-point loss in Jacksonville in a game that was not particularly close. The Colts have battled through injuries to Richardson and star running back Jonathan Taylor to enter this matchup at a respectable 3-3.

Indianapolis’ three victories are all against solid opponents in the Titans, Ravens, and Texans. Even if Watson suits up, the Browns will continue to lean on their defense.

Cleveland is only allowing 15.4 points, the No. 5 ranked unit in the NFL. The Browns are 3-2 with impressive wins over the 49ers, Titans and Bengals.

Browns-Colts Pick: Cleveland Squeezes Out Win

You would be wise to keep checking the injury report for this matchup. Watson said he expects to play, but remained non-committal on his status throughout the week. If the quarterback matchup ends up being Walker against Minshew, the Colts have the edge by a considerable margin.

Overall, it is the Cleveland defense that is the unit in this matchup that I have the most faith in heading into Week 7. Yet, there are still red flags about this game for the Browns. Even if Watson suits up, there is a good chance the quarterback displays rust.

The Browns will not be as fortunate to pull out a victory if Walker is unable to string together more scoring drives if the backup quarterback’s number is called. Taylor is getting more involved in the offense, and Minshew can do enough to help the Colts hang around.

Cleveland has yet to string together back-to-back wins this season. I am not betting the house on this matchup, but give me the points in this game with Cleveland in a potential letdown spot against a home dog.

NFL Pick Against the Spread: Colts +3

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Browns vs Colts Game Information

Game: Browns (3-2) at Colts (3-3)
Date/Time: Oct. 22, 1 p.m. ET
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Browns vs Colts Live Stream: NFL Game Pass

Questions of the Day

What is the key matchup in the Browns vs Colts game?

The matchup to watch is how Gardner Minshew and the Colts’ offense perform against a stout Browns’ defense. Honorable mention goes to how Deshaun Watson plays after being sidelined – provided he suits up.

What are the best player props for the Browns vs Colts game?

The Colts to go over 1.5 field goals. Matt Gay has hit a combined five field goals over the last two games, and now is back in a kicker-friendly dome at Lucas Oil Stadium. Gardner Minshew’s props are also intriguing with the numbers likely set low given the matchup against the Browns’ defense.