The Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns will face off in Week 3, looking to secure their second win of the season. Both teams have a 1-1 record. The Bears will build on their 20-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in their last game. The Browns beat the Houston Texans 31-21 on their home turf last week. With that being said, it’s time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Bears-Browns prediction and pick.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the odds:
NFL Odds: Bears-Browns Odds
Bears: +7 (-110)
Browns: -7 (-110)
Over: 45.5 (-110)
Under: 45.5 (-110)
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Why The Bears Could Cover the Spread
Now that the Chicago Bears have turned to Justin Fields at quarterback, there is no going back. Andy Dalton suffered a bone bruise in his knee in their last game against the Bengals, so head coach Matt Nagy announced that Justin Fields would be the starter. Fields threw for 60 yards and an interception in relief of Andy Dalton last game. Fields also rushed for 31 yards on ten carries, but David Montgomery led the Bears with 61 rushing yards.
Chicago’s defense was the key to their victory in Week 2. The Bears forced four turnovers and held the Bengals to just 17 points. Anyone who has watched the Bears in the last few seasons will be unsurprised to hear that their success so far in 2021 has primarily hinged on the play of their defensive unit. The Bears defense will have to slow down Baker Mayfield and their offense averaging 30 points per game thus far this season. However, the Browns offense averages two turnovers per game, which is promising for the Bears defense. Cleveland is just 1-4 against the spread in their last five games as a favorite.
Why The Browns Could Cover the Spread
Baker Mayfield suffered a shoulder injury in Week 2, yet that did not stop him from missing a snap. Mayfield led the Browns offense with 213 passing yards on an efficient 19 for 21 passing while also rushing for a touchdown. The offense has averaged 406 total yards and has played without star receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who Cleveland hopes to get back in the lineup very soon. Additionally, Jarvis Landry is considered week-to-week with an MCL sprain. Cleveland will likely turn to their run game in their matchup versus the Bears.
Nick Chubb is averaging 178 yards with three touchdowns and 6.8 yards per rush attempt. Kareem Hunt is averaging 84 rushing yards with one touchdown and 4.4 yards per rush attempt. This 1-2 punch of running backs is considered one of the best in the league and allows the Browns to open up the passing game when teams bite on the run. The Browns should lean on Chubb and Hunt a little extra on Sunday afternoon with a depleted receiving core. The Dogpound will be loud in Cleveland and cause a hostile environment for rookie Justin Fields to play in.
Final Bears-Browns Prediction & Pick
The Browns defense shows that it needs improvement so far this season. They struggled against the Chiefs, allowing 33 points, and gave up 14 points in the first half against the Texans, looking like they could give up more before Tyrod Taylor got hurt. Regardless of who is under center for the Bears, they should not be able to match the Browns. However, the injury concerns on offense for the Browns, combined with the way their defense has allowed teams to move the ball through the air the last two weeks, could make this a close game. Cleveland is 1-5 against the spread in their previous six home games. Take the Bears against the spread.
Final Pick: Bears +7
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