Carolina Panthers vs Cleveland Browns

Cleveland made major moves this offseason but the team is still loaded with talent after many years of drafting high. QB Jacoby Brissett has 36 TDs, 17 picks in his NFL career, the Browns used the franchise tag on tight end David Njoku (475 yards), added WR Amari Cooper, and have a very strong offensive line after extending the contracts of guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller. That offensive line helped the Browns lead the NFL in yards per rush (5.1). The Cleveland defense was fifth in yards allowed in 2021, #12 versus the run, returning pass rushing beast Myles Garrett, LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II. Carolina tried to win the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes in the offseason but lost to the Browns, who then dealt QB Baker Mayfield to them. He's off an injury-plagued campaign (17 TDs, 13 INTs). Carolina is still rebuilding, 10-23 in his first two seasons under coach Matt Ruhle. The Panthers finished in last place in the NFC South and have won 5 games in each of the last three seasons. They had no choice but to overhaul an offensive line that was the seventh-worst in rushing yards per carry (4.0). The Panthers are 4-12 ATS at home, so back the talented and balanced visitors. Play Cleveland.

The Cleveland Browns have things heading in the right direction. They are 4-7-1 on the season and you have to go back to 2014 to find five other Browns' wins. Despite the improvement, they still have a long way to go. The Carolina Panthers have really been leaking oil lately. They finished the first half of the season at 6-2 and looked like a lock for a playoff spot, but are still seeking their first win in the second half of the season where they are 0-4. The Panthers aren't playing as bad as an 0-4 team in their last four, but it has been turnovers killing them as they are -7 in the four-game losing streak. The fact is that they have out-gained each of their last three opponents with seven fewer possessions. There is some turnover variance that is making this line a lot different than it should look. Play on Carolina.