Las Vegas Raiders vs Cleveland Browns Picks and Predictions September 29th 2024

The Browns and Raiders are set to kick off at 4:25 ET on Sunday, September 29th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Raiders are the slight favorite with a point spread of -1. On the money line, the Raiders are -114, and the Browns are -106. The over/under line is currently at 37 points. This week four AFC matchup is being televised on CBS.

Cleveland vs. Las Vegas Key Information

The Browns are now 1-2 after losing to the Giants 21-15 in their most recent game. Cleveland was favored by -6.5 at home but lost straight-up and against the spread. The Giants led 21-7 at halftime, and although the Browns made a push in the 4th quarter, it wasn’t enough to come back for the win.

Even though the Browns tied the game at 21 with two 4th quarter touchdowns, they missed a chance to take the lead when Greg Joseph missed a 48-yard field goal with 3:04 left in the 4th. The Browns’ first touchdown came early in the game, as Amari Cooper caught a pass from Deshaun Watson to give them a 7-0 lead. However, the Giants answered back, and the score was tied 7-7 after the 1st quarter.

Deshaun Watson was under pressure throughout the Browns’ 21-15 loss to the Giants, as he was sacked eight times. Watson completed 56% of his passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns. The Browns managed just 69 yards rushing on 18 attempts and finished with only 16 first downs. Watson’s passer rating was 89.

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Amari Cooper led the receiving corps with 86 yards and two touchdowns. Cleveland’s ground game was led by Jerome Ford, who finished with 37 yards rushing and added 33 receiving yards. The Browns’ offense struggled on third down, converting just 28.6% of their chances.

In their most recent game, the Browns’ defense allowed the Giants to gain 340 yards, with 228 of those coming through the air. They lost to the Giants 21-15, and the defense gave up two passing touchdowns. The Browns were unable to force any incomplete passes in the game, as the Giants did not record a single incompletion.Cleveland’s run defense held up better, allowing just 112 yards on 32 attempts (3.5 yards per attempt). The Browns’ defense managed two sacks and held the Giants to a 28.6% conversion rate on third down.

Las Vegas is now 1-2 after their 36-22 loss to the Panthers. The Raiders were favored by -5.5, and the 14-point defeat meant they also lost against the spread. The game had an over/under line of 40, with the teams combining for 58 points.

Despite a 7-7 tie after the 1st quarter, the Raiders gave up two touchdowns in the 2nd quarter and missed a 57-yard field goal, leaving the score at 21-7 in favor of the Panthers at halftime. The Panthers added a touchdown in the 3rd quarter and another in the 4th, while the Raiders only managed to score in the 4th quarter, putting up 15 points to make the score more respectable.

In their 36-22 loss to the Panthers, the Raiders’ offense struggled to establish the running game, finishing with just 55 yards on 16 attempts. They did have 20 first downs and 276 yards through the air, with Gardner Minshew II going 18/28 for 214 yards and one touchdown. The Raiders were forced to abandon the run early, as they fell behind and were unable to keep Minshew II upright, as he was sacked three times.Tre Tucker was the leading receiver with 96 yards and a touchdown. Zamir White led the team in rushing with 34 yards. The Raiders’ offense also struggled on third down, converting just 27.3% of their chances.

In their 36-22 loss to the Panthers, the Raiders’ defense struggled to defend the pass, giving up 306 yards through the air, including three touchdowns. They didn’t record any official completions allowed, but Carolina still had a big day in the passing game. The Raiders’ defense managed two sacks and held the Panthers to a 41.7% third-down conversion rate.Despite their struggles against the pass, the Raiders did a decent job against the run, allowing 131 yards on 31 attempts. However, their inability to slow down the Panthers’ passing attack was a key factor in their most recent loss.

Our pick vs. the spread is to take the Raiders to cover as home favorites. Right now, the point spread lines have the Browns vs. Raiders matchup at 37, and with the Raiders at -1, we are going with them to cover at home.

As for the point spread pick, we have the Raiders winning 17-12. With the line sitting at 37 points, our best bet is to take the under, with a projected combined score of 29 points.

Raiders, Browns Look for Better QB Play

As the Cleveland Browns visit the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, both teams are hoping for improved quarterback play after struggles in Week 3. Raiders QB Gardner Minshew and Browns QB Deshaun Watson will lead their respective teams into a matchup of 1-2 squads, both looking to turn their seasons around after frustrating starts.

Raiders’ QB Situation

Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew was benched during the fourth quarter of their 36-22 home loss to the Carolina Panthers. Minshew threw an interception late, leading to Aidan O’Connell finishing the game and orchestrating a 13-play, 70-yard touchdown drive. Despite this, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed on Wednesday that Minshew remains the starter.

“There’s no issue. Gardner Minshew is the quarterback,” Pierce emphasized, though the Raiders have significant concerns beyond quarterback play.

In their loss to the Panthers, the Raiders’ offensive and defensive lines were outplayed, giving up 437 yards and four touchdowns. Frustrations mounted as Pierce pointed out that “some players made business decisions,” a not-so-subtle critique of effort from certain individuals.

Defensive star Maxx Crosby played through a high ankle sprain and performed well, but other players struggled to match his intensity. The Raiders are also dealing with a number of injuries, as Crosby, linebacker Divine Deablo (oblique), offensive tackle Thayer Munford (knee, ankle), and cornerback Decamerion Richardson (hamstring) all missed practice Wednesday.

Pierce acknowledged Crosby’s importance, saying, “At 80 percent, he’s a lot better than any defensive end in the National Football League.” The team will consult Crosby before making a final decision on his playing status.

Browns’ Offensive Struggles

Deshaun Watson and the Browns are coming off a rough Week 3 performance, a 21-15 home loss to the New York Giants. Watson was sacked eight times and the Browns’ offensive line was in turmoil, with Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller (knee) now on injured reserve, and tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) and James Hudson III (knee) leaving last week’s game due to injuries.

Despite Watson going 21 of 37 for 196 yards and two touchdowns, the Browns managed only 217 total yards. The eight sacks cost the team 48 yards, and they also lost two fumbles. The offensive struggles have been persistent, with Cleveland ranking 31st in total offense (248.0 yards per game) and 30th in passing (152.3 yards per game). They are averaging just 16.7 points per contest.

“When you’re talking about protection, it’s everybody,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Everybody has a job to do in order to keep the quarterback clean. So, I got to do my part (as coach). It’s no secret we can’t let him get hit that many times. That’s not good enough, and that will get fixed.”

Defensive Standouts and Injuries

On defense, the Browns’ Pro Bowl defensive end Myles Garrett has been playing through foot, thigh, and Achilles injuries, yet he still has recorded two sacks and forced fumbles in both instances. Cleveland’s defense ranks 12th in the NFL, allowing 309.3 yards per game.

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Garrett missed practice Wednesday but is expected to play Sunday. However, the Browns are dealing with a number of injuries, with Wills, offensive tackle Jack Conklin (hamstring), tight end David Njoku (ankle), linebacker Jordan Hicks (ribs, elbow), and running backs Jerome Ford (knee) and Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) all sidelined from practice as well.

Conclusion

Both the Raiders and Browns are looking to bounce back and resolve issues in their quarterback play and overall team performance. With both teams sitting at 1-2, the matchup in Las Vegas could play a pivotal role in shaping their seasons. Watson and Minshew will be at the helm as they attempt to steer their teams toward success amidst injuries and offensive struggles.