Browns Hoping to Move Past Garrett Misstep, Stay in AFC Playoff Race

The Cleveland Browns (4-6) will be going for their third straight victory on Sunday when they host the Miami Dolphins (2-8) as huge home favorites. The Browns have definitely played better recently, although they will be without one of their best players in defensive end Myles Garrett, who has been suspended the rest of the season after striking a player with a helmet.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Browns are up to double-digit home favorites at Sportsbook while the total has headed in the opposite direction, down slightly to 44 and 44.5. In last week’s loss to the Bills, the Dolphins reverted back to the dismal form they’d shown before their two-game winning streak, so they remain on pace to end up as one of the NFL’s worst teams.

Miami News & Notes

Miami surprised many by winning two straight games, against the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts, who did not have starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett in that one. However, the Dolphins played like the team that started the season at 0-7 last Sunday, and expecting anything more from them here in this spot is a gamble.

Journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick certainly has the potential to keep them in games offensively, but they have virtually no rushing attack, gaining only 23 yards on 13 carries against Buffalo. In fact, Miami ranks dead last in the NFL in rushing with just 60.3 yards per game while Cleveland gives up an average of 127.2 on the ground. Another problem is the Dolphins surrender even more at 148.3 yards, so they will need to run the ball better and hold Nick Chubb of the Browns in check.

Cleveland News & Notes

All eyes will be on Cleveland in the aftermath of the Garrett suspension, and the team can play one of two ways. The players can either rally around the incident and be extra motivated to try to make a run at the postseason without him. Or they can continue to play recklessly under first-year head coach Freddie Kitchens, who will more than likely not be around next season.

Kitchens has been a major bust for a Cleveland team full of talent and underachieving big-time in what should have been another step in the right direction. Regardless, the Browns remain in contention for a playoff spot and could still sneak in with a strong finish, as winning five of their last six down the stretch would give them a 9-7 record.

Betting Pick: UNDER 44.5

The absence of Garrett will not have much impact on the total because Cleveland’s defense can still play well enough against Miami to keep the score low. Expect just that to happen.