The Cleveland Browns were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL last year. They were getting major Super Bowl hype before the season, but it ended with a colossal dud at 6-10.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield was a big reason for the struggles. His quarterback rating of 78.8 ranked 31st in the league, after being a solid 93.7 in his rookie year.
The third-year signal caller has reportedly been working hard this offseason, both on his game and his leadership off the field. So, it wasn’t too surprising when he was quoted as saying he would “absolutely” kneel for the national anthem this season.
Mayfield later expanded on his controversial comment (source ESPN).
“Everybody so upset about my comment doesn’t understand the reason behind kneeling in the first place. I have the utmost respect for our military, cops, and people that serve OUR country. It’s about equality and everybody being treated the same because we are all human. It’s been ignored for too long and that it my fault as well for not becoming more educated and staying silent.”
Browns predicted to win 8.5 games, are +1250 to win AFC
The Browns are +1250 odds to win the AFC at the Winning Poker Network sportsbooks. That’s fifth behind the Kansas City Chiefs (+238), Baltimore Ravens (+244), Indianapolis Colts (+1015) and Buffalo Bills (+1145).
The Browns’ Win Total is 8.5. Bettors need to pay -122 juice for the Over, with the Under at +101.
While Mayfield’s comments may not be very popular with a good portion of Americans, his views are how society in general is trending and it should make him more popular with a large majority of his teammates.
I am still weary about the Browns’ chances of winning the conference, even at +1250. However, I think they’re a solid play in the Over 8.5 wins.
