The Cleveland Browns opened as solid favorites on the NFL odds for Saturday’s home game against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders, but the Browns have had so many players land in COVID protocols this week – and their head coach – that they are now underdogs.

How to Bet Raiders at Browns NFL Odds & TV Info

• When: Saturday, 4:30 PM ET
• Where: FirstEnergy Stadium
• TV: NFL Network
• Radio: http://www.siriusxm.com/nfl
• Stream Option: NFL Network app
• Opening NFL Lines: Raiders -1.5 (total 38.5)

Series History

The Raiders lead the all-time regular season series with the Browns, 14-10. The Silver and Black have won the past three straight games against Cleveland. In the two teams’ last meeting on Nov. 1, 2020 in Cleveland, the Raiders prevailed 16-6. Josh Jacobs rushed for 129 yards on 13 carries. The Browns had just 223 yards.

Why Bet on Las Vegas?

The Raiders lost for the fifth time in six games Sunday and were flat-out embarrassed 48-9 in Kansas City. Josh Jacobs fumbled on the first play from scrimmage and it was returned for a TD. It was the largest margin of victory in a series that began in 1960 and has been played 126 times. The previous record was 35 points in 1964.

Three first-half turnovers led to 21 points for Kansas City, and it proved too much for the Raiders to overcome.

“You’d like to think you can prepare your team for adversity when it shows up,” Interim Head Coach Rich Bisaccia said after the game. “You’d rather it not show up on a first drive, but if it does, respond. How are we going to respond? I just didn’t think we responded well the whole day.”

Derek Carr completed 33-of-45 passes for 263 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Carr’s interception should have been charged as a fumble to Foster Moreau. Carr was pressured throughout the game and had zero connection with any of his receivers outside of Hunter Renfrow.

Renfrow had a career day in the loss, finishing with 13 catches, his most as a pro and one short of tying the franchise single-game record. All told, he recorded 117 yards and a touchdown. Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller missed the game and will likely not play Saturday. Waller hasn’t played since the Raiders’ victory over the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. One of Las Vegas’ most important weapons, Waller has 53 catches for 643 yards with a pair of touchdowns this season.

Safety Jonathan Abram (illness), cornerback Trayvon Mullen (toe), and linebacker Denzel Perriman (ankle) also are in some question.

Why Bet on Cleveland?

The Browns’ availability is still a developing story, but they are set to be very shorthanded after placing eight players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, including starters WR Jarvis Landry, TE Austin Hooper and G Wyatt Teller. Six more players were added Wednesday, including QB Baker Mayfield and head coach Kevin Stefanski. Defensively, starters in safety John Johnson III, CB Troy Hill and DT Malik McDowell also were added.

Rookie cornerback Greg Newsome II, who was the team’s slot cornerback earlier this season when Hill was sidelined, remains in the league’s concussion protocols after missing last week’s game against the Ravens.

The Browns have yet to hold a full, traditional practice this week, and it’s unclear when or if they will before Saturday’s game against the Raiders. On Wednesday, the Browns broke into three different groups for walkthroughs.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said there has been no discussion on postponing the game: However, more positive COVID results could change things. If everything proceeds as planned, Case Keenum will start for the Browns and Donovan Peoples-Jones will be his top receiver. If Stefanski does not produce two negative tests in time, special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as Cleveland’s acting head coach.

Expect Cleveland to rely heavily on star running back Nick Chubb. He has 926 rushing yards, 112 receiving yards and seven total touchdowns on the season. Chubb will likely own the Cleveland backfield, as fellow running back Kareem Hunt is unlikely to play due to an ankle injury.

The Browns offense ranks 16th in total offense (349.2 ypg), 25th in passing (205.7 ypg), fourth in rushing (143.5 ypg) and 19th in points (21.4 ppg). Defensively, the Browns rank fourth in total defense (321.2 ypg), seventh in passing (215.0 ypg), tied for 11th in rushing (106.2 ypg) and tied for 14th in points allowed (22.2 ppg).

Game Trends

• Raiders are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in December.
• Raiders are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. AFC.
• Raiders are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a road favorite.
• Raiders are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games in Week 15.
• Browns are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 games as a home underdog.
• Browns are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games in December.
• Browns are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games in Week 15.

Expert Prediction

• Raiders 20, Browns 17