Week 3 of the 2021 season features a cross-conference matchup between the Bears and the Browns. Both squads are coming off their first wins of the season last Sunday and are looking to keep their momentum going. The Browns are currently listed as seven points favorites on the spread. You can catch the game on FOX or DAZN. Let’s take a closer look to this Bears at Browns betting preview.
These two franchises haven’t played one another since 2017 when the Bears won 20-3 on Christmas Eve.
Justin Fields Set To Make First Career Start
With Andy Dalton getting injured last week, it is already Justin Fields’ time in Chicago. A lot of Bears fans will have no problem with this, considering a majority of them believed the former Ohio State standout should’ve been the starter from the get-go in Week 1.
Fields will no doubt experience some rookie jitters but should still be an upgrade over Dalton, who’s been a below-average starter for years now.
Fields went 6/13 for 60 passing yards and an interception in the Bears Week 2 win after Dalton got hurt. The 22-year-old also rushed for 31 yards on ten attempts.
Expect the Bears to take a lot of pressure of Fields in this matchup and feed running back David Montgomery. The 24-year-old Ohio native is averaging 4.69 yards on 36 carries through two games. In the Bears season opener, Montgomery had a lot of success against the Rams, compiling 108 rushing yards.
Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman is questionable for Sunday with a knee injury.
The Sky Is The Limit For Cleveland
Although the Browns experienced a bit of a scare in the first half against Houston, this is a really well-rounded team that plays to their own pace and can dominate time of possession with their run game.
The Browns nearly upset Kansas City on the road in Week 1, but Baker Mayfield threw a costly late interception that sealed the win for the Chiefs. Cleveland is a team that is great with a lead but isn’t built to come back from massive deficits with the way their offense manages the clock and stretches our long drives. This is especially the case with their two best wide receivers sidelined due to injury.
Slot receiver Jarvis Landry remains on the IR, and star-wideout Odell Beckham Jr. is listed as questionable. Beckham has yet to play in 2021 after tearing his ACL last season.
Prediction
Although the Browns are going to be one of the contenders coming out of the AFC, the absence of their two best receivers could prove costly. The Browns love to pound the rock with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, but the Bears have a great defense led by All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack. Chicago won’t win this game but should keep it within three to four points. Take the Bears to backdoor cover on Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium.
The Pick: Chicago Bears +7
