The 2023 NFL season is nearly upon us as two anticipated playoff contenders, the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets, go head-to-head Thursday at 8 PM ET in the inaugural preseason game.
The Browns, who posted a 10-7 record last year, have raised their game by acquiring former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. This move places a highly skilled athlete in the team’s leading position. Despite the buzz, Watson will likely not play in the game.
Likewise, after months of rumors and negotiations, the Jets made strides to elevate their previous year’s 4-13 record by signing the legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Much like Watson, Rodgers’ appearance on the field on Thursday night is doubtful, but there are other talents like Zach Wilson, who is slated to start for the Jets, to keep an eye out for in the game.
The Jets made a name for themselves last year by claiming the fourth spot in the league for total defense (311.1 yards per game). On the other hand, Cleveland had a solid rushing attack last year, churning out an average of 146.5 yards per game and ranking sixth in the NFL.
The Odds: Cleveland enters the game as a 2.5-point favorite, and the over/under for total points scored is 31.5.
If you’re planning to place bets, here’s how the odds may play out.
If you were to bet $100 on the Browns covering the 2.5-point spread, you would win about $190 if they win by at least three points, as most sportsbooks use a standard -110 line for football and basketball games, meaning you bet $110 to win $100.
So, if you bet $100, you’ll win about $90.91.
On the other hand, betting $100 on the Jets to cover the 2.5-point spread (i.e., the Jets win the game, or lose by no more than two points) would also net around $90.91.
As for the over/under bet of 31.5 total points, if you bet $100 that the combined score will be 32 or more (the over), and you’re correct, you’ll win roughly $90.91.
Conversely, if you wager $100 that the combined score will be 31 or fewer (the under) and you’re correct, you’d also win approximately $90.91.
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