Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Understanding Public and Money
Expert Picks
Kliff Kingsbury will not be on the sideline for the Cardinals, but the Browns will be without both their starting tackles and Nick Chubb. For a team predicated on the run, that's a problem, even against a susceptible defense like Arizona. The Cardinals' run defense problems, coupled with the 20 mph wind expected in Cleveland is largely why there is so much action on the Browns. However, Arizona enters this game healthy with its full complement of weapons. Over four quarters, it should all work out for the visitors. If you're giving me a field goal with a 5-0 (4-1 ATS) team against a banged-up, somewhat one-dimensional host ... I'm going with the visitors.
This could be an ugly game considering the Covid situation Arizona is dealing with coupled alongside the injuries for the Cleveland Browns. That said, I still think the Browns secondary can get a turnover or two from a banged-up Kyler Murray and with Arizona's 31st rushing defense, even without Nick Chubb Cleveland should be able to run the ball. Give me the home team with the ground game.
Both teams rank in the top 10 in scoring and total offense. The Browns struggle to stop the pass, as we saw last week when Justin Herbert put up 398 yards and four TDs against them. The Cardinals can't stop the run and should get gashed by the league's top rushing attack, even with Nick Chubb out. Despite the windy forecast, I'm going Over.
Indeed, the absence of Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury (COVID-19), who calls offensive plays, is detrimental. The bigger loss, though, is in the other camp. Ailing Browns RB Nick Chubb, the league’s No. 2 rusher, sits out. He could join numerous teammates as spectators, Cleveland having listed a staggering 17 names on the injury report this week. Bottom line: A 5-0 team getting spotted more than a field goal by a battered foe is a go-to pick.
The Cardinals have some major problems this week with COVID-19 protocols that could keep a few starters (including Chandler Jones) out. We're still waiting on official word. But Kyler Murray is banged up as well, which always means limiting his deep throws. Nick Chubb (calf) is out for the Browns, but the holes will still be open for Kareem Hunt and the No. 1 rushing team against the Cardinals' biggest defensive weakness. The Browns' price will get higher soon with more Cardinals news. Browns money line is the play.
This has been bobbing up and down from 3 to 2.5, so let's grab it while it's at 2.5 while there since we want the favored Browns. Arizona will be without three important players in center Rodney Hudson, tight end Maxx Williams and star pass-rusher Chandler Jones, who has five sacks and 14 QB hits on the year. Kyler Murray isn't 100 percent, either. The Cards, 1-5 ATS in their past six vs. teams with a winning record, have struggled against the run this season, allowing 139.0 yards per game, and that plays right into Cleveland's hands with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Wideout Jarvis Landry also may be back off IR.
I want to see Baker Mayfield take over a game and lead his team to victory. This game will challenge him in some ways like the Chargers game did, and I'm interested to see if he can answer the call. For the Cardinals, it's been about finding ways to win, by any means necessary, and they've done just that. They're still looking for the proverbial complete game, maybe this is the opportunity they've been looking for.
The Cardinals survived their worst offensive showing of the year last week to remain undefeated, and even though they've beaten division rivals in back-to-back games, this might be their toughest matchup yet. That's because their rush D is 31st in yards per attempt, and they're up against a Cleveland offense that has piled up 639 rush yards the last three weeks. The beat-up Browns defense struggled last week and could do so again here, though the Arizona offense had its worst game and Kyler Murray might not be 100 percent. I don't think you can give a 5-0 Cardinals team more than three points, so the line is far, but this particular matchup makes me think Cleveland comes out victorious.