WagerTalk handicapper Andy Lang<\/a> offers his LA Chargers vs Cleveland Browns NFL Week 5 betting preview. At the time of posting, the Chargers are -1.5 home favorites over the Browns with the total sitting at 47 points.<\/p>\n Stay on top of the latest NFL<\/a> updates direct from Las Vegas!<\/em><\/p>\n This game features two defense that have been really good this season, and should cause problems for the opposing offenses this Sunday. Both teams feature top-five passing defenses, and Cleveland also boasts a top-five rush defense as well so points could be at a premium in this game which is why the UNDER is going to be my plan of attack for this game.<\/p>\n The four opponents of the Chargers this season have had their lowest point total of the year against the Chargers, so while Justin Herbert may be getting the attention, the defense has been the backbone of their success. If there is a way to exploit the Chargers it can be on the ground as they give up a little bit under 140 yards rushing so we can be assured to see a lot of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in this game. My concern with this Browns teams is that they are looking more and more like a team that can\u2019t win a shootout or come from behind as Baker Mayfield\u2019s accuracy remains a question. He doesn\u2019t have more than 21 completions in a game this season, and is 19th in completion percentage with weapons in the passing game that don\u2019t scare anyone right now. If the Chargers can get a lead and force the Browns out of the run game in the 4th quarter the advantage goes to LA, but if the Browns have the lead late look for their dominant offensive line and running game to dictate the clock and close out a win for Cleveland.<\/p>\n For the Chargers, we\u2019ve seen Justin Herbert\u2019s passing yards dropping the last three games, but they haven\u2019t needed them as their last two wins have come as a result of turnovers, and the running game which bodes well for them if those will be consistent contributions for this team throughout the season. Herbert has no interceptions the last two games (both wins), and if he keeps his efficiency going it will be a great chess match between the Chargers passing game and the Browns defense. The Chargers are middle-of-the-pack in rushing yards per game and against this defense I wouldn\u2019t expect a big day on the ground, but Ekeler is always a threat in the passing game, and they won\u2019t abandon the run completely as they have been a fairly balanced team rushing and passing.<\/p>\n Final Thoughts: The defenses should have the offenses on their heels most of the day. The pressure of the Chargers pass rush will make passing difficult for Mayfield, and the Chargers will surely expect the one dimensional Browns to rely on the run allowing them to stack the box on running downs. The Browns front line should be able to slow down the run enough to not need help from the safeties allowing Cleveland to leave enough defenders in the secondary to make passing difficult for Herbert. Touchdowns will be few and far between, and the kickers could be very busy setting up for a close, but low scoring game. Prediction: UNDER 47<\/strong><\/p>\n 3-0 First quarter unders. They continue to be one of the best, if not the best part of my NFL wagering portfolio.<\/p>\n \u2014 Andy Lang (@BumpSports) October 3, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nChargers vs Browns Prediction<\/h3>\n
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