Cleveland Browns players celebrate at FirstEnergy Stadium. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
NFL underdogs are cashing in more than favorites thus far in the 2022 season. On the Sunday, Week 5 card on Oct. 9, there are five home underdogs. I’ve made a case for the Cleveland Browns (+2) this week at home against the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams are 2-2, and the Browns are tied for first place with the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North division.
The Browns have a significant edge at the point of attack and in their running game. I document the stats and edges along with injury updates and odds in weekly NFL games and underdog picks.
The line has dipped from Chargers -2.5 to -2 and now -1.5 and and even -1 at some leading online sportsbooks. Betting lines move and are subject to change.
Week 5 NFL Odds and Betting Data
Caesars Sportsbook reports 90% of the spread money is on the Browns as of Friday afternoon. A majority of bets come in within 24 hours of kickoff in NFL games.
There are still plenty of promotions and odds boosts offered at many leading online sportsbooks to offset some of the betting line moves and offer More Ways to Win.
Types of bets and how to read the odds
Week 5 Pro Handicappers and Bettors Contest Picks
Here’s a look at the Circa Sports Las Vegas Football Invitational handicapping contest Week 5 picks. These are college or prop football sides (ATS) or totals picks from 16 professional handicappers and bettors chosen by the Vegas Stats & Information Network. Picks are made Friday night against Circa Sports betting lines. Through 4 weeks, there are two co-leaders at 14-6. The top-3 finishers are paid with the top prize $15,000.
These are the most common consensus NFL picks for Week 5 from the contestants.
- Browns (+2.5) – 6 picks
- Patriots (-3) – 4 picks
- Cowboys (+5) – 3 picks.
- Ravens (-3) and Dolphins (-3) – 2 picks
As mentioned, the market moves and betting lines adjust. And since Friday night, the Patriots have moved to -3.5 point favorites at FanDuel, BetMGM and other leading online sportsbooks. The Dolphins are more consensus -3.5 point favorites with WynnBet still at Miami -3. The Browns are +2.5 with added juice (-114) at FanDuel Sportsbook, and +2 at Caesars, DraftKings and PointsBet. Other online sportsbooks have moved to Browns +1.5.
I’m counting on a Browns win over the Chargers as well Sunday at the Dawg pound.
You can bet on it.