This weekend finds the only undefeated team in the NFL facing a team that has repeatedly shown signs of wanting to be at the top of the charts.
The Cardinals have had a lot of success so far this season, while the Browns, despite several misses, have proven themselves to be a championship-caliber team. However, that only appears on some occasions; other times, they miss completely.
Browns Have a Few Issues
The Browns have been running strong this year but are now facing a bigger problem. They go into this game right in the middle; however, they have several starters who may not be able to play. Despite Cleveland hosting, Arizona has repeatedly shown uncommon strength and results and could cause more issues for the Browns.
It looks as though Rodney Hudson will miss the game because of rib and shoulder problems.
Cleveland is currently 3-2 and still has a lot going for the team this season. The next three games are at home, and this game could determine how the rest of the season goes.
Cardinals Have a Few Problems, Too
The Cardinals have their own player problems, as well. Several will be either missing or will be severely limited during the game. Chandler Jones was placed on the COVID-19 list and is questionable for this Sunday. The decision won’t be made until the game gets closer, but the leading pass rusher is a key part of the Cards’ defensive success.
Adding insult to injury, quarterback Kyler Murray has been limited in practice this week because of a shoulder issue. He had an AC joint issue in the same shoulder last season, which was followed by a drop in performance for the rest of the year. History could repeat itself again this season.
While Murray was limited in practice, he could still be on the field this Sunday. How well he holds up with his injury will determine if he’s able to move the ball down the field, and this could also give the Browns the opening they’re looking for. The Browns have the leading rushing offense in the NFL and will be ready for a ground game. If the Cardinals can’t respond with their own offensive plays, this could go lopsided quickly.
A Look at the Odds Trends
Both the Cardinals and the Browns have had some interesting results with their betting records. The Cardinals are 4-2 against the spread (ATS) the last six times they have faced the Browns, but Cleveland has gone 5-1 straight up in their last six home games and 6-0 ATS in their last six against an NFC opponent.
Cleveland is also 5-15 straight up across their last 20 games that were played in October. Arizona has been better in the month, though, racking up a 5-0 record ATS in their last five. The Under has been popular for Arizona, with eight of its last nine games going under. For the Browns, four of their last six have gone over.
The Browns may be struggling, but the Cardinals have a few injuries to contend with. This will still be a decent game to watch, and some expect the Browns to take the win. Stranger things have already happened this year.
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