The Cleveland Browns travel to the West Coast to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers in a battle between two 3-1 teams. It’s time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Browns-Chargers prediction and pick.

The Browns are no longer the joke of the NFL. This team over the past few seasons has really changed their culture and style of play. They contain one of the best defensive rosters in the league as well as a dominating run game. Both of those aspects of the game really hurt the opposing team. The Browns are currently fourth in yards per carry and first in total rushing yards (708). The dynamic duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt is difficult to stop. The Browns' defense is third in passing yards allowed with (735). This team is playing their best football right now but is dealing with injuries to a few crucial players.

The Chargers are fresh off a huge win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. The team is 3-1 and in first place of the AFC West for the first time since 2018. Justin Herbert is putting himself in the MVP conversation and should remain there if he continues to play the way he has. Head coach Brandon Staley is putting his team in the right position to win games, but this will be another tough test for the first-year head coach. This Browns-Chargers game has the potential to come down to the wire and could be a factor in playoff seedings this year.

Here’s how the bookmakers have set the lines for Sunday’s matchup.

NFL Odds: Browns-Chargers Odds

Cleveland Browns +1 (+105)

Los Angeles Chargers -1 (-125)

Over 47 1/2 points (-110)

Under 47 1/2 points (-110)

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Why The Browns Could Cover

It shouldn't be hard to question if a good 3-1 team can cover a one-point spread. This week is a little concerning, however, because of the injuries the Browns are dealing with. It's too early in the week to know if some of the injured are going to play. Despite the injuries, the Browns are looking to win the AFC North and will need to beat the Chargers to better their chances. Their running game is so good that it takes time away from the opposing offense. The Browns are going to cover if they stick to that game plan and not let Herbert control the game. Their defense is good enough to stop the Chargers but will need to play their best to keep up.

Baker Mayfield (who's playing through a torn labrum) and the Browns' offense are going to continue their style of play by controlling the time of possession. The Chargers don't stop the run very well, so the Browns have the opportunity to dominate that aspect of the game. The defense will need to stop the Chargers, and they will have a solid chance of winning the game if they do just that.

Why The Chargers Could Cover

The Chargers used to be the underdog in most spreads, but not anymore. This team is proving to be one of the better teams in the NFL that not many teams can contain. The Bolts are the favorite to defeat the Browns, but anyone with football knowledge knows that the Chargers have a history of blowing games. LA avoided that burden in the last two games, though, as they knocked off the Chiefs and Raiders.

The Chargers are going to be just fine if they continue to do what they have been: playing electric football. Herbert and the offense can score any type of way and don't seem to be slowing down any time soon. The Bolts' defense is improving, and anything is possible with Derwin James running the show. It will be difficult to stop the Browns' running game. Cleveland is going to try and shove it down their throats, so the Chargers will need to stop it. As mentioned earlier, this matchup could come down to the final possession as many Chargers games do. The Chargers have many weapons, which may be too difficult for Cleveland to manage.

Final Browns-Chargers Prediction & Pick

This Chargers spread is a great one to lean toward. They just defeated the Raiders by 14 last week, where they were favored by just three points heading into the game. If LA can stop the running game, there should be no reason why they can't cover a one-point spread. The over/under is a little high as both of these squads have good defenses.

Final pick: Chargers (-1)