Broncos vs. Browns: TNF odds market update
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58). (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire)
October 21st, 2021
Quarterback Case Keenum will step into the prime-time limelight for his first start since 2019, as the Cleveland Browns host the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football inside FirstEnergy Stadium.
Keenum last served as starting quarterback while a member of the Washington Football Team, and has since played backup to Baker Mayfield, who is out with a shoulder injury in Week 7.
The Browns are a mess with injury issues at the moment. Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are both sidelined with calf issues, and three of five starting offensive linemen have been limited in practice this week.
The defense is also operating at less than 100%, but will confront a Broncos team riding a three-game losing streak and working through a number of injuries, as well.
Although quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was limited in practice with a foot issue, he is expected to play on Thursday night.
With so much up in the air in this AFC battle, let's see how the public is betting the moneyline, point spread, and totals at TwinSpires Sports, ahead of Thursday Night Football.
Broncos vs. Browns moneyline betting percentages
| Betting public | Denver Broncos moneyline | Cleveland Browns moneyline |
|---|
Percentage of tickets | 50% | 50% |
Percentage of handle | 65% | 35% |
Cleveland has won just one of 13 matchups with Denver, dating back to 1991, but both of these franchises have undergone drastic changes throughout the past two decades.
Under second-year coach Kevin Stefanski, the Browns just suffered back-to-back losses for the first time in his tenure. Cleveland fell to the Los Angeles Chargers, 47-42, in Week 5 and followed up that loss with a blowout defeat to the undefeated Arizona Cardinals.
You can't see the entire Browns' injury report without scrolling. pic.twitter.com/vFXqTaAZW6
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) October 20, 2021
The Broncos have a number of injuries on the roster, mostly on the defensive side.
With so much uncertainty surrounding both teams, bettors are split evenly on who will win this matchup, based on the number of tickets placed at TwinSpires Sports.
Sixty-five percent of handle is on Cleveland to win outright. The Browns were a 5.5-point home favorite but are now only favored by 1.5 points ahead of kickoff.
Broncos vs. Browns moneyline betting percentages
| Betting public | Denver Broncos moneyline | Cleveland Browns moneyline |
|---|
Percentage of tickets | 50% | 50% |
Percentage of handle | 65% | 35% |
The majority of point spread bettors are leaning toward the Browns to win by two or more points on Thursday.
In the last five meetings between these franchises, the home team is 4-1 against the spread, but only one of the last five games was hosted by Cleveland.
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last five games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in the previous contest, and the Browns are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games when favored at home.
Broncos vs. Browns moneyline betting percentages
| Betting public | Denver Broncos moneyline | Cleveland Browns moneyline |
|---|
Percentage of tickets | 50% | 50% |
Percentage of handle | 65% | 35% |
The points total opened at 43.5 points and has dipped to 41 ahead of kickoff.
The Under is 5-2 in Denver's last seven road dates, whereas the Over is 4-1 in Cleveland's last five home games.
More than 80% of handle is on the Over to hit in this battle between two staunch defenses.
The Browns and Broncos both rank in the top five in total defense and are ranked in the top six in rushing yards surrendered.
Denver also owns the league's fourth-best scoring defense, but Cleveland has allowed an average of 25.2 points per contest, 22nd most in the NFL.
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