National Post (National Edition)
Browns primed to end long skid
Bet on Cleveland to claim its first victory of 2018
We sure have been waiting for this Thursday night showcase. Top overall draft pick Baker Mayfield versus No. 3 selection Sam Darnold, a mano a mano between the rookie quarterbacks.
Oh, wait. Mayfield is a bench jockey with the Cleveland Browns right now, while Darnold is winging touchdowns and interceptions for the New York Jets.
Enthusiasm peaked after Darnold destroyed Detroit in New York’s opener, then came to a near halt when he struggled against Miami. The Browns have a developing defence led by the NFL’S No. 1 draft choice in 2017, Myles Garrett. If Darnold can stay upright and cool, New York could win.
The Jets are three-point underdogs to Cleveland. That’s the value of a field goal or three extra points. Maybe in the Browns’ case we shouldn’t go there considering what happened in New Orleans with all the flubbed kicks.
Of course, they have a new kicker and will get their first win of the century. Well, not quite that long.
Browns, 17-16
San Francisco (+6½) at Kansas City
This line appears a bit low given the Niners’ struggles at times with the lowly Lions. Best Bet: Chiefs, 31-20
Pittsburgh (-2) at Tampa Bay, Monday night
Obviously, the oddsmakers don’t believe in Fitzmagic. Against this leaky secondary, we do.
Upset Special: Bucs, 30-26
Buffalo (+17) at Minnesota
Buffalo once was an even bigger underdog at 17½ points versus Miami in 1985. Dolphins won 28-0.
Vikings, 28-0
Los Angeles Chargers (+7) at Los Angeles Rams
Remember when La La Land had no NFL teams? Rams, 22-17
Chicago (-6) at Arizona
Some will tell you the desert has no team this year. Bears, 12-10
Indianapolis (+6) at Philadelphia
Looks like Carson Wentz will be back for Eagles, but don’t expect too much so soon. Eagles, 23-19
New Orleans (+3) at Atlanta
Saints are struggling, Falcons are banged up. Key early NFC South matchup. Saints, 28-27
New York Giants (+6) at Houston
Eli Manning has to avoid J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney? Texans, 20-9
Oakland (+3) at Miami
Dolphins are one of league’s most pleasant surprises. Dolphins, 24-17
Cincinnati (+3) at Carolina
Bengals are one of league’s most pleasant surprises, but don’t remain unbeaten. Panthers, 22-20
Green Bay (-3) at Washington
We now are sure even a hobbled Aaron Rodgers is an elite quarterback. But that secondary is woeful. Packers, 30-28
Denver (+5) at Baltimore
This could be defensive gem. Ravens, 17-16
Dallas (-1) at Seattle
Cowboys can rush QB, Seahawks can’t protect QB. Seems simple. Cowboys, 18-6
New England (-6½) at Detroit
Will Bill Belichick go easy on former assistant Matt Patricia in prime time? Doubtful. Patriots, 27-17
Tennessee (no line) at Jacksonville
Just when we were ready to make Jags the best bet, there’s no line.
Jaguars, 26-9
Last week: Against spread (96). Straight up (9-6-1). Season totals: Against spread (17-13-1). Straight up (19-11-2) Best bet: Against spread (1-1). Straight up (2-0).
Upset special: Against spread (1-1). Straight up (0-1-1).