Lions vs. Browns: NFL Week 4 Odds, Prediction

The Lions face a second straight AFC North opponent as Detroit hosts Cleveland in Week 4. 

Sunday’s contest presents a challenging spot for the Lions. Detroit plays a -1 day rest advantage after playing Monday night in Baltimore. 

At home, they’ll get a Browns team off a shocking win as big underdogs. Cleveland bested Green Bay 13-10 on Sunday as 8.5-point road underdogs, overcoming a 6% win probability in the process. 

Bet on Lions vs. Browns and other NFL matchups with up-to-date NFL odds. 

Lions vs. Browns: NFL Week 4 Odds

Lions vs. Browns Prediction

Wednesday, September 24

Oddsmakers released Detroit’s team total lines. For the full game, the line is set at 27.5 juiced -120 to the under. For the first half, the line is set at 13.5 points juiced -125 to the over.

Neither line or price immediately grabs my attention. If forced to choose, I’d prefer a prediction on the Lions 1H Under 13.5 Points (-102). Detroit scored 14 in the first half against Baltimore, but Cleveland owns a better defense.

Detroit has played only one comparable defense, albeit away from home. In the first half against Green Bay (first in offensive DVOA), the Lions managed only three first-half points.

Monday, September 22

Based on the Browns’ advantage over the Lions’ interior offensive line and Cleveland’s defensive quality, my Lions vs Browns prediction is to evaluate the Lions team total under. 

I’ll wait for lines on this game as I’m considering both Detroit’s team total under or their first-half team total under. 

Quietly, Cleveland’s defense has played very well to begin the season. 

Jim Schwartz’s defense ranks third in defensive DVOA, having played a league-average strength of schedule, per ftnfantasy.com. 

The Lions exploded for 52 against Chicago. However, Cleveland presents a much stiffer test, having kept two of three opponents under this number. 

If a current weakness exists for Detroit, it’s the interior offensive line. 

Where is Cleveland’s defense at its best? Along the defensive line, rushing up the middle. 

In Week 1, the Lions struggled to keep Goff clean against the Packers rush. The only consideration worth making is that the game came away from home. 

Still, I’m not sure the venue switch is enough to get Detroit over its team total. The Lions face a short rest spot after a road MNF game, for the team’s only rest disadvantage of the season. 

Cleveland surrendered 41 to Baltimore in Week 2. However, a turnover-plagued fourth quarter doomed the defense. 

Through three quarters, the Browns kept a high-powered Ravens offense to only 20 points. 

That leads me to consider the Lions first-half team total instead. 

Ultimately, I’m trying to decide if I trust Cleveland’s offense to stay on the field long enough to help limit Detroit’s output. 

Right now, intrigue exists on Detroit unders, but lines and prices will dictate additional thoughts. 

Betting Lions vs. Browns: NFL Public Betting