NFL Betting Preview: 2010 Cleveland Browns

The Browns could be a spoiler in the AFC North this season.

This is going to be a huge year for the Cleveland Browns and their fans are anticipating and fully expecting a big year. 'Big year' is a relative term of course, and a 7-9 or 8-8 record would be a huge step forward for this franchise.

When NFL camps open each July there are 31 teams looking to make the necessary adjustments to get to the Super Bowl. Cleveland fans know that their team has had a strong offseason and have realistic expectations that may lead to the AFC crown in the years ahead.

NFL odds to win the AFC North clearly favor Baltimore at minus 110. The Browns are expected to be poor again and are getting no respect at plus 1200 to win the division. Steelers are plus 225 and the Bengals plus 300.

There is no bet, in my opinion, for the Browns to win the division, but there is a strong one to make for the season win total. Currently the Browns' number stands at 5.5 wins and I like playing the 'over.'

The Browns won their last four games in 2009 and saved Eric Mangini’s head coaching job. Cleveland has a shot at being 3-1 through its first four games this time around.

The 2010 schedule is friendly enough during the first five weeks, but then the next four games will determine the success or failure of the season. The Browns will at the Steelers in Week 6, at the Saints in Week 7 and then host New England in Week 8.

Some good news for the Saints game is that in the last four meetings between these teams the underdog is a perfect 4-0 straight up and against the spread.

Another tough stretch will be a three-game road trip starting in Week 13 facing Miami before going to Buffalo and Cincinnati.

Looking at the final eight games I think it is very possible for them to win at least two, perhaps three of those games. An optimistic assessment has the Browns winning seven games in 2010.

The wide receiver corps was considered a real weakness on team, but it was really a combination of poor QB play and lack of WR experience that led to the poor performances. That has all changed now as the Browns have added 11-year veteran QB Jake Delhomme as the starter and drafted QB Colt McCoy. This is a perfect combination for wining now and also preparing for the future with McCoy.

The Browns' offense will be vastly improved from last year’s dead-last ranking in total yards gained. A dominant offensive line, which will be the best since the Browns came back to the league in 1999, will be the foundation for this team to take a big step forward in 2010.