It won’t be easy, but the Cleveland Browns need to find a way to snap their nine-game losing streak. Their next opportunity comes on Thursday when they hit the road to face the Baltimore Ravens, who are currently first in the AFC North. Interestingly enough, the Browns, who’ve lost 19 of their last 20 games, did win in Baltimore last season, so maybe they can do it again and finally earn their first win of the season.
Browns Hoping to Avoid History
The Cleveland Browns have never started 0-10 in their 66-year franchise history. With one more loss, though, they’ll make the record. They’ll have to overcome their 10-point underdog status against the Baltimore Ravens, who’ve won 26 of the last 35 meetings with the Browns, including their Week 2 meeting where they beat the Browns 25-20.
Vikings Continue to Slide
The Minnesota Vikings started the season 5-0 and looked like one of the top teams in the NFC. However, since their bye week, they’ve lost three straight and have looked like a markedly different team. Their offense has averaged just 12 points per game. Quarterback Sam Bradford has been sacked 13 times in that span, and the team is averaging less than 80 rushing yards per game.
It won’t get any easier for them going forward. Their next four games include road games against the Washington Redskins (4-3-1 SU, 5-3 ATS) and Detroit Lions (5-4 SU and ATS) and home games against the Arizona Cardinals (3-4-1 SU, 3-5 ATS) and Dallas Cowboys (7-1 SU and ATS).
Eagles Mired in Slump
The Eagles have followed a similar path as the Vikings: they started the season on a healthy winning streak, but have struggled since emerging from their bye week. The Eagles started 3-0, and many people were talking about rookie quarterback Carson Wentz becoming a Rookie of the Year candidate.
Fast forward a month later and the Eagles have lost four of their last five, and the young signal caller has looked raw. Wentz didn’t throw a single interception during the Eagles’ season-opening three-game winning streak, but he’s thrown four in his last three games. The Eagle have also had issues running the ball; they averaged 119.3 rushing yards per game in the first three weeks, but are at 100.8 over their last five contests. The Eagles will get a chance to turn things around when they host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The Falcons are 1-point favourites as we go to press.
Important Injuries
Jeremy Maclin (KC): Maclin tried to play through a groin injury last week, but only made it through two snaps. Don’t expect him to suit up this week against the Carolina Panthers.
Carlos Hyde (SF): Hyde is still dealing with a shoulder injury, and while he’s been a limited participant in practice since the 49ers’ bye week, he’s been wearing a non-contact jersey. It looks like he’ll miss the 49ers’ contest with the Arizona Cardinals this week.
Doug Martin (TB): The Bucs’ lead running back has been out since Week 2 and it doesn’t look like he’ll return this week. The Bucs’ backfield is depleted, with backups Jacquizz Rodgers and Antone Smith also out.
*Odds as of November 9, 2016