Our NFL betting expert offers the best betting picks and predictions for the Week 5 matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns, scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
The Chargers’ defense is ailing, allowing an average of 29.3 points per game since the 24-19 victory over the Raiders in the opener. Injured is no way to slow down Browns running back Nick Chubb, who spearheads a Cleveland offense averaging 187.3 rushing yards per game.
Chargers vs. Browns predictions
- Chargers -2.5, -110 at Caesars Sportsbook
- Game over 47.5, -110 at Caesars Sportsbook
- Justin Herbert over 1.5 passing TDs, -166 at Caesars Sportsbook
21+. New c🗹ustomers only. AZ, CO, CT, IA, IꩲL, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV only. Tu0026amp;C apply
New players only, 21+. Available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, NJ, NY, ♑TN, VA, WV only. Full T&C apply.
New users only, 21 or older. Available in AZ🅠, CT, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY only. Full T&C apply.
- Check out more of the Best Sportsbook Promo Codes
Chargers vs. Browns picks and analysis
The Chargers earned a much-needed road victory against 🌳the Texans but are moving forward without pass-rushing star Joey Bosa (groin). The Browns have one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks in the NFL but have been stung by two clo🧜se defeats.
Chargers cover -2.5
A shell of himself in a 38-10 Week 3 loss against the Jaguars, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was much improved last week at Houston as he recovers from torn rib cartilage. Herbert had season-bests with 340 yards passing and 8.7ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ yards per attempt.
The Texans aren’t exactly one of the best at stopping the pass at 240.3 yards allowed per game. Yet while the Browns are far better by the numbers (2✤12.8 per game), but, they haven’t exactly been facing passing powerhouses with games against the Panthers, Steelers, and Falcons.
The Browns can put points on the scoreboard, too, except they thrive with the run. The Chargers have more quick-strike capabilities with an NFL-leading 307.3 passing yards per game, which should prove to be the difference in a tight game.
Our Pick: Chargers -2.5, -110 at Caesars Sportsbook
Game total: Over 47.5
The Browns have built a stereotypical AFC North team: Play hard defense and run the ball even harder. Cleveland not only has the 🦩second-best rushing offense in the NFL at 187.3 yards per game, but they have also managed to turn that style into an impressive 26.3 points per💦 game.
Now the Browns face t♛h🍨e Chargers, who have struggled to contain the running game and have been susceptible to runs on the perimeter. The Chargers have not been running much behind Austin Ekeler, Sony Michel and Joshua Kelly at a league-worst 64-5 yards per game.
What the Chargers do is throw, even if WR Keenan Allen has been out the last three weeks with a hamstring issue. WR Joshua Palm𝔉er and TE Donald Parham Jr. have been banged up but both have practiced this week. At 23.0 points per game, L.A. still hasn’t reached its potential.
Our Pick: Game over 47.5, -110 at Caesars Sportsbook
Betting on the NFL?
- Read our expert guide on how to bet on the NFL
- Check out the best NFL betting sites
- Get the BetMGM Bonus Code
Justin Herbert over 1.5 passing TDs -166
Do not underestimate Staley’s return to Cleveland as the Chargers’ head coach. He has already talked about family and friends that will be in attendance Sunday and “feeling the presence” of his loved ones. Expect the Chargers to pull out all of the stops against the Browns𝓡.
That means Los Angeles’ signature passing attack will be on display. There will be a ti🌸me the Chargers wi♌ll have to get their rushing attack unleashed, but this doesn’t figure to be that day. And Ekeler is too involved in the passing game to commit him to the run.
Herbert is fifth in the NFL in passing TDs with nine, and the one game when he didn’t have multiple end-zone completions was when his rib injury physically limited him. Herbert has been a full participant in practice this week, and if he gets the time, he will find the end zone🍸.
Pick: Justin Herbert𓄧 over 1.5 passing TDs, -166 at 🐼Caesars Sportsbook
Chargers vs. Browns odds
Odds c🅠ourtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total Points 47.5 |
| Chargers | (-2.5) -110 | -135 | Over -110 |
| Browns | (+2.5) -110 | +115 | Under -110 |
