Crazy But True: Browns Are Double-Digit Favorites for Second Time Since 1999

Crazy But True: Browns Are Double-Digit Favorites for Second Time Since 1999 article feature image
  • The Cleveland Browns (-10) are listed as a double-digit favorite against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16. Only once since 1999 have the Browns closed as a double-digit favorite.
  • Since 1999, no NFL team has been listed as double-digit favorite fewer times than Cleveland.

Prior to this season, the Cleveland Browns were breaking historical betting records — for all the wrong reasons.

They had maybe the worst two-year stretch in NFL history: 1-31 straight up and 8-24 against the spread.



But this season, behind rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield and a midseason coaching swap, the Browns have flipped the script, and it's culminated with something truly astounding in Week 16.

Cleveland is currently listed as a 10-point home favorite against the Cincinnati Bengals. If Cleveland closes as a double-digit favorite, it will be just the second time since they re-entered the league in 1999 that the Browns are listed as a favorite of 10 points or more.

The last time? The Browns faced the San Francisco 49ers at home in Week 17 of the 2007 season with Derek Anderson at quarterback facing former Heisman Trophy winner, Chris Weinke for the Niners.

Cleveland won, 20-7.

Since the Browns returned to the NFL in 1999, they have only played ONE game as a double-digit favorite, the fewest of any of the other 31 teams in the league.

From the Pats to the Dawg Pound, here is the full list of total games listed as a double-digit favorite for every franchise across the league, from 1999 through Week 15 of the 2018 season…

About the Author
Evan is a Content Producer for The Action Network. Born and raised in New York City, he solely roots for teams who cover. His fears: bullpens, quicksand and stoppage time.

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