Cleveland Browns (3-1) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (2-1)
October 10, 2021 4:05 pm EDT
The Line: Los Angeles Chargers PK ; Over/Under: 49.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns square off late Sunday afternoon in a week 5 NFL meeting from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Cleveland is coming off a matchup versus the Vikings last weekend. The Browns notched a seven-point win in that one. As for the Chargers, they played the Raiders on Monday. In that matchup, LA ended up winning by two touchdowns. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Cleveland started out their year with a tough matchup against the Chiefs and ultimately fell 33-29 in a tight game. The Browns picked it up after that and won their next three, however. Cleveland beat the Texans 31-21, the Bears 26-6 and the Vikings 14-7.
In the win over Minnesota, Cleveland held the Vikings scoreless after the first quarter. QB Baker Mayfield put up 15-of-33 passing for 155 yards, and Nick Chubb added 100 rushing yards on 21 carries. Rashard Higgins hauled in four balls for 63 yards receiving.
Over on the Chargers’ side, they kicked off the year versus Washington and powered out a nice 20-16 victory. Los Angeles had some trouble with the Cowboys in their next game during a 20-17 loss, but then beat the Chiefs 30-24 in game three.
In week four versus the Raiders on Monday, Los Angeles scored 21 points in the first half and held on for a 28-14 win. QB Justin Herbert put up 222 yards with three scores, and Austin Ekeler led the rush on 117 yards and a TD. Jared Cook caught six balls for 70 yards and a score to lead the receivers.
The Browns are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games and 5-1 ATS in the last six overall. Cleveland is also 7-16 ATS in the last 23 in October.
Meanwhile, the Chargers are 4-1 ATS in their last five in week five and 16-37-1 ATS in their last 54 at home. The under is 20-8 in LA’s last 28 home games as well.
PICK: I’m going to try the Browns, but staying away. Cleveland played a hard-nosed game versus the Vikings last weekend, with each team averaging less than 4.5 yards per play. The Browns were good enough on third downs (7-of-18) to keep drives moving and took care of the ball with zero turnovers.
As for the Chargers, they put up an impressive effort versus the Raiders on Monday with just 48 rush yards and 14 first downs allowed on defense. LA had their offense working well, and I think the Browns will be another good challenge this week. Should be a great game.
