Following an abysmal season-opening performance, the Browns are looking to rebound in Week 2 vs. Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars.
The NFL odds for Week 2 show Cleveland will be an underdog when Kevin Stefanski’s squad tries to spoil Jacksonville’s first home game.
NFL Week 2 Browns vs. Jaguars odds
The point spread reached four earlier in the week but has settled at Jaguars -3.
Home teams are generally awarded three points in the spread, meaning oddsmakers would view the Browns and Jaguars as equals on a neutral field.
Cleveland moneyline bettors can enjoy +140 odds, while Jacksonville is listed at -160. Both numbers will vary depending on which sportsbook you check.
The over/under is 41.5, which is on the lower end of the NFL Week 2 odds board. Only five matchups have a lower total than Browns vs. Jaguars.
Why the Jaguars could win as the favorite
Jacksonville led 17-7 over Miami late in the third quarter until things went haywire.
Travis Etienne was steps away from crossing the goal line until Jevon Holland forced a fumble and the Dolphins recovered.
One play later, Tyreek Hill went 80 yards for a touchdown and Miami had all the momentum. The Jaguars were held scoreless in the second half of a 20-17 defeat.
Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr. were bright spots, respectively, in their Jaguars and NFL debuts.
Davis tallied 62 receiving yards and Thomas Jr. earned 47 yards and a touchdown.
The pair will be vital to Jacksonville’s success in Week 2, especially if Christian Kirk has another quiet game (one catch for 30 yards in Week 1).
The Browns’ offense isn’t nearly as dynamic as the Dolphins. If the Jaguars get another early lead and show more offensive consistency, they’ll be in a great spot to win.
Why the Browns could win as the underdog
It’s hard to find positives from the Browns’ 33-17 loss to the Cowboys. Cleveland grabbed an early 3-0 lead before Big D rattled off 27 unanswered points.
Deshaun Watson was sacked six times and Dallas landed 17 QB hits. Watson’s 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions earned him a 13.5 quarterback rating.
David Njoku was the Browns’ leading receiver but he’s out for Week 2 with an ankle injury. Jedrick Wills will also watch from the sidelines while he waits for his knee injury to heal.
Cleveland’s defense held Dak Prescott to 179 yards and CeeDee Lamb to 61 yards.
However, it clearly wasn’t enough to avoid embarrassment in the home opener. Until the Browns sort things out offensively, the defense must play lights out.
Browns vs. Jaguars prediction
Pick: Jaguars -3
Odds: -105 oat BetMGM Sportsbook)
The Browns couldn’t find any offensive rhythm in Week 1, and things will be even more difficult with Njoku and Wills sidelined.
The Jaguars held the Dolphins to 81 rushing yards, despite Miami having stars like De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert.
Outside of Watson, Cleveland ball carriers gained just 54 yards vs. Dallas.
This is mainly due to the large deficit the Browns faced for most of the game, but if Cleveland goes down early again, I have little faith in Watson leading a comeback.
