Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns: Prediction, Best Bets, Odds, Depth Charts (9/24/23)
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The Tennessee Titans (1-1) battle the shell-shocked Cleveland Browns (1-1) on Sunday afternoon (9/24/23). Check out below for Titans vs. Browns odds, predictions, and best bets; our pick is a Same Game Parlay featuring Under 45.5 Total Points and Titans Under 21.5 Points.
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns Prediction & Best Bet
I raved about Cleveland’s defense last week, and they once again deserve the praise after not allowing Pittsburgh to get within 30 yards of the end zone across the entire game. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has this unit playing to its potential, and that starts with the pass rush. Myles Garrett leads all defensive linemen in PFF’s Pass Rush Productivity, which “measures pressure created on a per snap basis with weighting toward sacks.” EDGE Za’Darius Smith ranks 37th, while defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson is 55th. In other words, the Browns essentially have the best first, second, and third pass rush options. Plus, opponents have a dreadful 3.2 yards per rush against Cleveland’s monstrous defensive line.
Tennessee completely revamped their offensive line over the off-season and definitely improved the group, but they are still gelling together. Left tackle Andre Dillard in particular has struggled mightily by already allowing an astonishing three sacks and nine pressures per PFF. Center Aaron Brewer has been a turnstile as well, so Cleveland’s ferocious pass rush should get to Tannehill from inside the tackles too. Tannehill had the sixth highest pressure to sack ratio last season and ranked seventh highest in 2021 per PFF; therefore, this Browns pass rush likely converts pressures into sacks here.
Meanwhile, Cleveland’s secondary is airtight. They have given up 267 passing yards and one passing touchdown across the first two weeks, which includes a blown coverage that resulted in a George Pickens 71-yard touchdown. An aging DeAndre Hopkins and up-and-coming Treylon Burks won’t strike fear into a unit that recently shut down Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd.
Overall, Cleveland’s defense will neutralize Tennessee’s average offense. The same could be said of Tennessee’s defense too. Cleveland loves to establish the run and centers their game plan around this philosophy. However, Tennessee’s defensive line is extremely stout and currently has opponents at a paltry 2.7 yards per rush In addition, Jerome Ford is no Nick Chubb, so the Browns rushing attack is less lethal.
It’s a battle between teams that run down the clock, feature elite defensive lines, and possess an unimpressive aerial attack. The alternate unders leave plenty of breathing room here and form a rock-solid parlay.
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns Prediction & Best Bet: SGP of Under 45.5 Total Points & Titans Under 21.5 Points (-145 DK)
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns Betting Odds
The spread is Titans +3.5, and their moneyline can be found out +150 odds. Cleveland bettors will want to search for a -3 line, as a field goal win would then become a push instead of a loss. The over under sits at a measly 39.5 points – the second lowest total of the week behind Patriots versus Jets.
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns Key Injuries
A few notable injuries include Browns running back Nick Chubb, Titans guard Peter Skoronski, and Titans tackle Jack Conklin.
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns Key Matchups
Which team will win the key matchups in the Titans vs. Browns contest?
Deshaun Watson Efficiency
Can they rely on Deshaun Watson to score points through the air? His processing, accuracy, and poise appear greatly diminished. Despite owning the fourth longest time to throw, Watson has the fourth highest Bad Throw Percentage and the worst On Target Percentage in the NFL. PFF currently grades him as the 23rd best starting quarterback, and that’s perhaps generous based on his play. If Watson continues to play at this level, then it’s difficult to envision Cleveland lighting up the scoreboard.
Peter Skoronski Health
Tennessee selected Peter Skoronski with the 11th overall pick, and he’s justified this selection so far. The rookie guard allowed one pressure (unfortunately a sack) in his first NFL game, which is solid. He missed last week due to appendectomy surgery, and it’s unknown whether he plays. Tennessee’s offensive line would be seriously weakened should Skoronski miss the contest. Considering the opponent is Cleveland, it’s imperative that he suits up and performs like a veteran.
Tennessee Titans Depth Chart
QB: Ryan Tannehill
RB1: Derrick Henry
RB2: Tyjae Spears
LWR: DeAndre Hopkins
RWR: Treylon Burks
SWR: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
TE1: Chigoziem Okonkwo
Cleveland Browns Depth Chart
QB: Deshaun Watson
RB1: Jerome Ford
RB2: Pierre Strong Jr
LWR: Amari Cooper
RWR: Donovan Peoples-Jones
SWR: Elijah Moore
TE1: David Njoku