Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns Betting Preview: Can Fields Fire Bears to Road Upset in First NFL Start?

As much hope and hype as there is around the Cleveland Browns this season, this week they are not going to be the chief storyline as they look to pick up a second straight home win. No, that will be the first NFL start for Justin Fields, as the former Ohio State star is back in Ohio as the Browns host his Chicago Bears. Unsurprisingly, NFL betting odds view the Browns as a strong favorite, but the Bears will be hoping Fields can steer them to an upset.

That said, the Browns are not going to make it easy for him, and their ground-based attack means he might not have much time with the ball anyway.

Chicago Bears (1-1) vs Cleveland Browns (1-1), FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET

Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns NFL Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Chicago Bears +270
• Cleveland Browns -335

Total

• OVER 44.5 (-110)
• UNDER 44.5 (-110)

Spread

• Chicago Bears +7.5 (-110)
• Cleveland Browns -7.5 (-110)

Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Sunday, September 26, 2021 at 2:30 a.m. ET. Want to see NFL betting odds from several top online sportsbooks for the week’s other NFL matchups? Check out our NFL odds.

Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns NFL Betting Consensus

Moneyline

• 0% Chicago Bears
• 100% Cleveland Browns

Total (at O/U 44.5)

• 67% OVER 44.5 (-110)
• 33% UNDER 44.5 (-110)

Spread (at +/-7.5)

• 33% Chicago Bears +7.5 (-110)
• 67% Cleveland Browns -7.5 (-110)

Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns Matchup: NFL Betting Picks, Odds, Stats and More

Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns Betting Outlook

The Bears come in 1-1 after last week’s win over Cincinnati. Avoiding an 0-2 start was big, but losing Andy Dalton to injury and forcing the first start of Justin Fields is even bigger.

Whether Fields is ready or not remains to be seen, but his ascension definitely opens the playbook. He has a stronger arm and is more mobile than Dalton. His complement of skill players might be underrated. They can open things up more now.

Over the first two games, the Bears have posted solid defensive numbers. They gave up a bunch of points to the Rams in their opener but rebounded nicely against Cincinnati. They have been able to create turnovers and get to the quarterback enough to make you think this can be a solid defense. If the offense comes along they might be good enough to compete for a postseason berth.

Browns Begin to Separate With This One

Cleveland’s preseason hype took a ding when they squandered a lead against the Chiefs in Week 1. They might not be as good as Kansas City, but the Browns could have a good argument as the next team in line.

Last week the Browns beat Houston by ten in a game that was closer when Tyrod Taylor was still in. Still, the Browns played the way they want to, using a methodical offense to churn the clock and score points. Receiver Jarvis Landry is out but Odell Beckham Jr. is expected to see his first action of the season. This just got interesting.

On defense, the Browns are built to play complementary football with a ball-control offense, and we should see that in play today. They might take a few more chances to fluster Fields, but they don’t have to.

NFL Betting Trends to Consider for Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns

• The Bears 5-2 ATS in their last seven games in September.
• On the flip side, the Bears are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win.
• The Browns are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game, and they are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.

Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns Best Bet

Cleveland Browns -7.5

The Browns are the better team and are at home. Not having Landry limits them a little bit but at the same time, it gives them a chance to keep OBJ happy. I see no reason why the Browns are not going to have an efficient game on offense. As for the Bears, Fields might be a fantasy star in his starting debut, but a mistake or two will cost them just enough to lose the game. The backdoor will be in play, but Cleveland’s ability to grind out games comes through.

Prop Watch: Justin Fields Anytime TD Scorer +195

The Bears are going to run Fields. We will have to see how much and where, but he had ten rushing attempts against the Bengals. When they get into the red zone, Fields will be a significant threat to score.

Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns Score Prediction

Cleveland Browns 31, Chicago Bears 20