What a season it was for Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns. In his first year as head coach, Stefanski led the Browns to their first playoff berth since 2002, their first playoff win since 1994, and their first road playoff win since 1969. As a result, Stefanski was named the 2020 Coach of the Year. Their dream run was ultimately squashed by the eventual-runners up Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round, but Browns fans are beyond satisfied with their season. Baker Mayfield emerged as the number-one pick he was meant to be, finishing his season 7-3 with a 15:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
The Browns’ offseason plan was clear– after ranking 21st in PFF’s defense rankings in 2020, the Browns went out and acquired John Johnson and Troy Hill (formerly of the Rams), Jadaveon Clowney (formerly of the Titans), and Anthony Walker Jr. (formerly of the Colts). The defensive onslaught continued in the NFL Draft, where Cleveland found a friendly board. They drafted cornerback Greg Newsome II and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah after both slipped later in their rounds.
Cleveland looks as though they’re ready to follow up their best season in over 30 years with another run at the playoffs.
Cleveland Browns Week 1 odds
The Browns open up their 2021 season in the same place their 2020 season ended: Kansas City against the Chiefs. Last year’s AFC Divisional matchup came down to a gutty 4th-down conversion by backup quarterback Chad Henne, who was filling in for a concussed Patrick Mahomes. Many speculate that if Mahomes were to have played the entire game, the victory wouldn’t have come down to a 4th-down at all.
Given that Mahomes is back on the field, the Browns () opened as 5.5-point underdogs. A dramatically improved secondary should help the Browns match up in this one, with former Rams John Johnson and Troy Hill joining the team in free agency and Northwestern stud Greg Newsome II being drafted in the first round. Cleveland also added another star pass rusher in Jadaveon Clowney, further beefing up an already-strong defensive front.
Expect Cleveland to remain a steady underdog in this one, as many see the Chiefs being an improved team from this offseason, as well.
Complete Week 1 betting preview: Browns vs. Chiefs
Cleveland Browns futures odds
Futures are long-term bets that can range from an offseason to a full season (or beyond). Team win totals, award winners, and player performance are common futures.
Browns Super Bowl odds and other futures markets 2021
- Odds to win Super Bowl: +1600
- To win AFC: +850
- To win AFC North: +160
- Make playoffs: -225
- Browns win total: 10.5 (-120)
Odds last updated August 4
Browns prop bets
Prop bets are based on individual performance, typically surrounding players. In the Browns’ Week 12 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Nick Chubb had a projected 77.5 rushing yards. Those who thought Chubb would rush for 78 or more yards would take the over bet while those who thought Chubb would fail to rush for 78 yards would take the under. Chubb rushed for a season-high 144 yards in the contest, giving over bettors the win.
Search below for Cleveland Browns team or player props currently being offered at sportsbooks. You can also look around at other teams and players using this tool. Happy shopping!
Cleveland Browns 2021 schedule and betting odds
The full 2021 schedule for the Cleveland Browns, as well as betting odds from DraftKings.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time | Opening Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Sunday, Sept. 12 | at Kansas City Chiefs | 4:25 p.m. ET | Chiefs -5.5 |
| Week 2 | Sunday, Sept. 19 | vs. Houston Texans | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 3 | Sunday, Sept. 26 | vs. Chicago Bears | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 4 | Sunday, Oct. 3 | at Minnesota Vikings | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 5 | Sunday, Oct. 10 | at LA Chargers | 4:05 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 6 | Sunday, Oct. 17 | vs. Arizona Cardinals | 4:05 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 7 | Thursday, Oct. 21 | vs. Denver Broncos | 8:20 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 8 | Sunday, Oct. 31 | vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 9 | Sunday, Nov. 7 | at Cincinnati Bengals | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 10 | Sunday, Nov. 14 | at New England Patriots | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 11 | Sunday, Nov. 21 | vs. Detroit Lions | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 12 | Sunday, Nov. 28 | at Baltimore Ravens | 8:20 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 13 | BYE | N/A | N/A | OTB |
| Week 14 | Sunday, Dec. 12 | vs. Baltimore Ravens | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 15 | Dec. 18 or Dec. 19 (Sat/Sun) | vs. Las Vegas Raiders | TBA | OTB |
| Week 16 | Saturday, Dec. 25 | at Green Bay Packers | 4:30 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 17 | Monday, Jan. 3 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | 8:15 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 18 | Sunday, Jan. 9 | vs. Cincinnati Bengals | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
Best Browns betting site(s)
How to bet on the Cleveland Browns
Moneyline
The moneyline is the simplest of bets, decided by the straight-up winner and loser of each game. Consider the following example:
- Browns -185
- Eagles +310
The Browns are considered heavy favorites in this matchup (indicated by -185), requiring a $185 bet to win $100 (plus the initial bet back). The Eagles are the underdog in this matchup, paying out $410 total for a $100 bet ($310 in winnings). How much either team wins or loses by does not matter in moneyline betting, the payout remains the same.
Point spread
Betting on the point spread is determinant on how many points a team wins or loses by. Take the following example:
- Browns -6.5 (-110)
- Falcons +6.5 (-110)
In this example, Cleveland is favored by 6.5 points, indicated by “-6.5.” If the Browns win the game 27-20, the Browns (-6.5) win the bet and would have a total payout of $19.09 on a $10 bet ($9.09 in profit). If the Falcons keep the game within seven and lose 23-17, the Falcons (+6.5) would win, and the payout would be the same as listed above.
Point total (over/under)
The point total refers to the over/under line set by books. This number projects the total number of points scored in a game and, like prop betting, is bet whether one thinks the score will go over or under the set point total. For example, a Browns matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers had a 57.5 point total. The Browns won the matchup 47-38, resulting in 85 combined points. Those who bet the over in the matchup would have cashed out.
The Browns’ defense was porous in 2020, and coupled with a successful scoring offense, often leading them to have high point totals. Common over/under marks for the 2020 Browns fell above 52 and sometimes as high as 58.
In-play and live betting
Sometimes, the most thrilling and rewarding bets are bets made while games are being played. These are referred to as live bets or in-play bets. Odds are ever-changing during games, which would prove to be fruitful for sharp and prepared bettors. For example, if the Browns (-225) were heavily favored against the Bengals (+190) before kickoff, a payout on a $10 bet on the Browns to win would win just $4.44.
However, say the Browns fell to a big 17-3 deficit in the first half despite controlling the overall game (due to a costly turnover or special teams gaffe). Odds may swing in favor of the Bengals, who may be a -110 favorite at halftime. Taking the Browns to come back and win the game could present plus-odds (say, +130). Should a bettor take Cleveland (+130) at halftime and the Browns pull off the comeback, winners would win $13 instead of $4.44 (plus the initial $10 bet).
This could also be an effective way to “hedge” your bet; say a bettor took the Bengals (+190) in that game, but Cleveland jumps out to a 21-0 first quarter lead and is controlling the overall feel of the game, bettors could hedge by throwing some money down on Cleveland (-270) to return some of the inevitably-lost bet.
Parlays and teasers
You can always string bets together in the form of parlays or teasers. Usually during busy Sundays, bettors can parlay several teams to win or cover against the spread and if all bets are successful, the payouts are multiplied. Teasers function similarly, except they allow bettors to move each point spread to a more favorable line in exchange for diminished odds.
Browns 2020 recap
Record: 11-5
Record ATS: 6-10
Over/under record: 9-7
The Browns posted their best record since 1994 (11-5) that included regular-season wins over the Steelers, Colts, and Titans. Their potent offense and excellent rushing game resulted in the Browns usually being able to overcome bad weather conditions and a sometimes-absent defense. They finished with 26.3 points scored per game (13th), which is almost six points better than their 2019 output.
Cleveland was America’s sweetheart this season, showing serious signs of explosiveness; their rout of the Titans and Colts set high expectations frequently. However, adverse weather conditions, bad luck with COVID-19, and an unshakable reputation frequently caused the Browns to not cover their spreads. Cleveland was out-scored on the year with an average point margin of -0.3 (16th). Their fast offense and porous defense led them to having frequently-high point totals on the season, which were still frequently met. The Browns saw point totals of 89, 87, and 85 this year.
Browns 2021 offseason moves
Trades: None
Re-signings: LB Malcom Smith (one year, $1.3 million)
Free agent losses: CB Terrance Mitchell (to Texans), T Kendall Lamm (to Titans), EDGE Larry Ogunjobi (to Bengals), DL Sheldon Richardson (to Vikings)
Free agent signings: S John Johnson (three years, $33 million), EDGE Jadaveon Clowney (one year, $10 million), CB Troy Hill (two years, $9 million), LB Anthony Walker (one year, $3 million), DL Malik Jackson (one year, $3.8 million)
Draft picks: CB Greg Newsome II, LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramah, WR Anthony Schwartz, OT James Hudson, DT Tommy Togiai, S Richard LeCounte, WR/R Demetric Felton