Could Lions Get Boost From New QB Against the Cleveland Browns
Boyle set to make first NFL start on Sunday Against the Cleveland Browns
By Charles Jay
Things have taken an unexpected turn for the Detroit Lions, and it’s made a bit of a difference in the NFL betting odds. BetAnySports customers knew that the effect of the presence of Jared Goff had been a little bit less than they anticipated. And now we’ll have to see how their offense operates without him. This is in pursuit of their first victory of the season, as they face the Cleveland Browns.
The really good news for Detroit last week was that they did not lose. After eight consecutive losses, they were able to forge a 16-16 tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who went with Mason Rudolph at quarterback in place of Ben Roethlisberger. And now the Lions will have that handicap. Or will it be a handicap at all? We’ll see, as this game begins at 1 p.m. Eastern time at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.
Goff has an oblique injury , and he is officially listed as doubtful. So first-year head coach Dan Campbell will call on Tim Boyle, who has managed to hang around the NFL for a while without playing very much. Boyle had one touchdown passes and 13 interceptions during his FBS collegiate career at UConn, but he always seems to impress coaches in training camp, at least enough for them to have him around as insurance. And we’ll see how the insurance policy works out.
Please Read our Review of BetAnySports and See Why They are rated 9.5 out of 10 Stars
Here are the numbers….
With Goff’s absence, the number on this game has risen. Here’s what it looks like right now at BetAnySports:
Cleveland Browns – 12.5
Detroit Lions +12.5
Over 42.5 points -110
Under 42.5 points – 110
So do you think the Browns are angry?
They scored the first touchdown last week against the New England Patriots, and then the Pats, behind rookie quarterback Matt Jones, scored the next 45. Baker Mayfield got banged up, although he should be healthy enough to play in this game. What they’re really looking forward to is getting Nick Chubb back in the lineup. When healthy, Chubb is a genuine contender for the rushing title. And the Browns are second in the NFL with 154.1 yd per game on the ground.
And speaking of the ground, Cleveland did not appreciate getting beat up by New England, as they allowed 184 yards, which is almost double their average.
What should we expect from Boyle?
There are some people in the Detroit organization who are actually pretty pleased that Boyle is getting an opportunity. And we’ll be happy to tell you why. Goff, who was the first overall pick in the draft when he came out of the University of California, averaged only 6.1 intended air yards her attempt. That was tied for 32nd in the league. So it’s safe to say he’s not a quarterback to attack downfield. And that is one of the reasons why Sean McVay wanted to trade him away from the Rams.
But Boyle has a very strong arm, and it is Campbell’s intention to open up more of the playbook for him and let him try to stretch out the Cleveland defense.
Our conclusion
If the Lions could run the ball the way they did last week against Pittsburgh, that would work like a charm. Detroit got 133 yards out of D’Andre Swift on their way to 229 rushing yards for the game. Campbell was calling the plays for the first time ever as an NFL coach. And unquestionably he likes the ground and pound approach. Actually, that doesn’t make him all that much different from the offense of coordinator Anthony Lynn. So everything was copacetic. Now all they have to do is win a game.
Chubb, who was sidelined with Covid last week, is going to be a difference-maker here. And the way the Browns got pounded last week, you just know they want to take it out on somebody. Their pass rush could overwhelm the first-time starter. In a measured recommendation, we will lay the points.
At BetAnySports, you don’t have to stop wagering when the game has kicked off! You can stay very much involved with Super Lines, Premier Lines and Ultimate Lines…… And with reduced juice, you get a better price, so you can save a lot of money over the long run on your bets. Give it a try!
Please Read our Review of BetAnySports and See Why They are rated 9.5 out of 10 Stars