Cleveland Browns NFL Betting Odds

2010 Season

During the past 12 years the Cleveland Browns have only racked up two winning seasons, and last season wasn't one of them. Despite expectation that the Browns had turned the corner, they chalked up the same record from the season before of 5-10, although they did move from fourth to third in the AFC North division.

2011 Off Season

It's probably not a good thing when an NFL franchise changes head coaches every season for three straight seasons the way the Cleveland Browns have. But perhaps new head coach Pat Shurmur has what it takes to finally kick this struggling team into shape, with the help of new coordinators on both sides of the ball. During the off season Shurmur filled many positions (left vacant by a host of departing veterans) from within, and used the 2011 NFL Draft to sign up talented DEs Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard amongst others. The good news is that QB Colt McCoy is still with the team, who last season completed 61 percent of his passes with six TDs and nine INTs, and is expected to get even better going forward. RB Peyton Hillis also added greatly to the team, and should continue to do so this season.

2011 Preview

Despite their lack-luster record from last season, the Browns boast a host of talented players that just need to be molded into one cohesive team. Offensively, RB Peyton Hillis was one of the standouts last year, who started the season 'under the radar' and ended up being voted onto the cover of Madden 12. Hillis rushed for 1,177 yards, caught 61 balls for 477 receiving yards and scored 13 TDs before being injured. But now recovered, there is no reason why he won't produce more of the same this season. And with regards to QB McCoy, as long as he has somebody reliable to throw to - like TEs Ben Watson and Evan Moore perhaps - he could help pump up the offensive stats. Defensively, the Browns need to pull up their socks in a big way this year after racking up a lowly 29 sacks last season. Coach Shurmur will look to players including RB Marcus Bernard, CB Joe Haden, S T.J. Ward and LB D'Qwell Jackson amongst others to step up this season. But the biggest question is whether Shurmur's decision to switch from a 3-4 to 4-3 formation will pay off? Only time will tell.

2011 Prediction

Over the last few seasons NFL betting fans have learnt to expect the worst from the Cleveland Browns, and this season will be no different. While some fans are hopeful that Shurmur will be able to coax some results out of this struggling team, the odds are against them, considering their steep learning curve, the shorter than average off season and a late schedule that could be crushing. So bet the Browns cautiously.

**Our Pick

The Cleveland Browns will have their hands fulls this season, which includes games against six teams that made the playoffs last season, not too mention having away games at Oakland, San Francisco and Houston to look forward to. The Browns are at +1,000 to win the AFC North, 40/1 to win the AFC and 80/1 to win the Super Bowl. As such, we see them finishing last in the AFC North on 4-12.