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Editor’s update 9:51 a.m.: The Browns and 49ers kick off at 8:15 p.m. and the public is heavily backing Cleveland at DraftKings Sportsbook. 77 percent of the handle and 80 percent of tickets bet on the point spread are for Cleveland. The line opened with the 49ers favored by four points but now sits at five points. More intriguing is the money line wagering, where 80 percent of the handle and 72 percent of tickets bet is on Cleveland. Bettors see the over hitting as well, with 72 percent of the handle and 67 percent of tickets bet on over 47 points.
DraftKings is offering a couple odds boosts for the game. You can bet on Baker Mayfield recording two or more touchdowns AND the Browns winning the game at +360 (it was +330). Additionally, you can bet on Odell Beckham Jr. to score the first touchdown vs. the 49ers at +1075 (it was +1000).
Is it possible that we actually get to watch a competitive Monday Night Football game? It’s more than possible. Instead, I’d say it’s likely. The Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco 49ers are two teams who believe they have a real shot at making a splash this season. Over the past four years, these two franchises have won the least total amount of games in the league. When they square off in the Golden State this week, both will be playing to prove that they’re ready to move past that bottom-of-the-food-chain mentality.
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For the Browns, it’s a matter of living up to preseason hype and finally claiming the AFC North. Cleveland’s stud of a running back, Nick Chubb, tapped into his speed last week against what was one of the league’s best run defenses. Chubb chugged past Baltimore, racking up 165 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The Niners are fifth in the league against the run, so attacking in the air may be the Browns’ primary focus. Jarvis Landry has been cleared from concussion protocol, and after having eight catches for 167 yards in Week 4, he’ll certainly draw some attention from the defense. Meanwhile, Odell Beckham Jr. remains a lethal weapon that Baker Mayfield can activate if need be.
For the 49ers, it’s a matter of maintaining an undefeated record and proving that they can beat good teams. Jimmy Garoppolo has led them past the Steelers, Bengals and Buccaneers so far this season, but the Browns will be his first real test. Fresh off of a bye week, San Francisco will feel fully prepared to take down its third AFC opponent this season. With both teams having sound defenses, we may be in for a low-scoring battle.
The Browns and 49ers have met once before on Monday Night Football, but we’d have to go back to 1993. Cleveland came out on top with a 23-13 home victory. I’m not one to believe in history repeating itself to that extent, but how about possibly mirroring itself? I think the 49ers’ main goal will be on slowing this game down, as to not get into a shootout with one of their top cornerbacks, Ahkello Witherspoon, dealing with a foot injury. A 23-13 win to the home team sounds like a good ballpark estimate, so obviously I’m leaning toward the under and the 49ers to cover.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
Browns at 49ers
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Browns +5
Total Points: 47
Money Line: Browns +195; 49ers -240
Records
Overall: Browns 2-2; 49ers 3-0
ATS: Browns 2-2; 49ers 2-1
O/U: Browns 2-2; 49ers 1-2
Notable Prop Bets
Browns:
- Odell Beckham Jr. to score a TD: +145
- Nick Chubb over 3.5 receptions: +130
49ers:
- Jimmy Garoppolo under 21.5 compltions: +100
- George Kittle to score a TD and team to win: +225
Betting Trends
- The 49ers have won nine of their last 11 Monday night games.
- The 49ers have failed to cover the spread in 14 of their last 15 games as favorites.
- Each of the Browns’ last five night games have gone UNDER the total points line.
- The 49ers have lost the first quarter in each of their last four games as home favorites.
- George Kittle has scored a touchdown in three of the 49ers’ last four home games against AFC opponents.
- Nick Chubb has scored at least one touchdown in six of the Browns’ last nine road games.
- Matt Breida has scored at least one touchdown in each of the 49ers’ last two Monday night games.
Odds and lines subject to change. See website for actual odds.
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