This week, there are two episodes of Monday Night Football for us to make our NFL picks from. However, in this article, we’ll focus on the matchup featuring the Las Vegas Raiders at Cleveland Browns. There’s a lot riding on this game as the Browns could move to the top of the AFC North with a win.
Here, I will provide the top Monday Night Football picks, odds, and lines for the Raiders at Browns matchup tonight.
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Monday Night Football Picks – Raiders at Browns
| Raiders | Browns | |
| Money line | -145 | +125 |
| Points Spread | -2.5 (-115) | -2.5 (-105) |
| Total Points | O40.5 (-110) | U40.5 (-110) |
Raiders ML (-125)
Earlier this week in the Lines to Exploit Early article, I actually took the Browns to cover the then-5.5 point spread over the Raiders. However, I’m making a big change and rolling with Las Vegas in this one. The NFL has been more than accommodating for some teams as they deal with the Omicron variant of COVID-19, but the Raiders feel like they’re getting screwed here – and they are. That’s why I’m picking them to win the game.
It’s certainly worth noting that having COVID-19 sucks. As someone who just dealt with it recently, it’s an absolute drain on your body and I can see the same thing happening to the Browns in this contest. We don’t even know if all those players that tested positive will be able to come back tonight. With a nice combination of motivation and Cleveland uncertainty, Las Vegas is the move here.
Under 40.5 Points (-110)
Given what I just mentioned, it has probably been a clunky week for all teams involved. We did see a lot of unders this week in the NFL, and that has a lot to do with preparation and lack of knowledge in what personnel you’ll have available.
In general, I can see this game being incredibly boring with both teams running the ball at one another. Most importantly, the Browns will be without QBs Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum tonight, seemingly making it a burden to move the football.
Instead, Cleveland will turn to Nick Mullens under center. Mullens has shown to be a capable back before in San Francisco, but I just don’t think he has the momentum for this type of affair.
Josh Jacobs – Over 55.5 Rushing Yards (-110)
As discussed, the Raiders will likely have control of the clock and how the pace of play is being dictated. Jacobs will be the guy toting the rock heavily for Las Vegas once again, just as he’s done all season.
Last week’s game script did not go according to plan for him, only running the ball nine times for 24 yards in a blowout loss to the Chiefs. Things will be much different this time around against a Browns defense that is right around the Top-10 is most advanced metrics to calculate stopping the run. However, you still have to wonder exactly how healthy everyone is in Cleveland right now.
