Cleveland Browns vs Los Angeles Rams Point Spread Picks

Los Angeles plays its first road game of the preseason. The offense has little to prove in this meaningless game after scoring 54 points in the first two games. Quarterback Matthew Stafford (back strain) isn't likely to play, nor will Jimmy Garoppolo. Third and fourth stringers Stetson Bennett and Dresser Winn will handle the offense. Cleveland's Joe Flacco has officially been named the starting quarterback and will play one or two series, while injured backup QB Kenny Pickett won't play. Beyond them, the position drops off sharply with rookie QB Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. The Browns' starting defense has been outstanding in training camp and the first two preseason games, allowing 10 and 13 points - both on the road. Take Los Angeles/Cleveland UNDER the total. 

It will be beautiful weather in Los Angeles on Sunday, as usual. Cleveland's defense has played well at home but has allowed 38, 24, 31, and 29 points in its last four road contests. All sailed OVER the total. The Rams have QB Matthew Stafford back and have won two in a row. They come off a 37-14 victory at Arizona rolling up 457 yards. Los Angeles star WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) is expected to play and the Rams' defense is just 16th in yards allowed and points, plus 19th on third down (39.60%). Take Cleveland/Los Angeles OVER the total.

The LA Rams lost the Super Bowl last season and so far they have avoided the really bad stretch from past Super Bowl losers from the previous season. The Browns are rich in history but have never been to a Super Bowl, and there are a lot of expectations this season. The Browns have been bad for so long, they rarely get a home game on Sunday or Monday night football. The Browns have not played a Sunday night home game since 2008 and just three in their history and they have never won one. They have played just three Monday night home games since 2008, and have not won since 2008. It has been 11 years since they have won one of these prime time games. The novelty is fresh in Cleveland, and you know they know how long it has been. I think the Browns are going to come out on fire for this game, as well as their fans, and the Rams may be left behind on this night just like so many past Super Bowl losers. Take Cleveland.