Dave Tuley, senior reporter at VSiN.com, is in his second season with the Post’s Bettor’s Guide. His handicapping pieces appear in VSiN’s online magazine, Point Spread Weekly.
Cleveland Browns (+7) over BALTIMORE RAVENS (1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): The Browns were the most-hyped team this offseason, and I was thrilled to fade them in the opener vs. the Titans and resisted using them as home underdogs Sunday night against the Rams. A lot of people are jumping off the bandwagon, but I actually think this might be the time to “buy low” on Baker Mayfield and the Browns, because they’re not as bad as everyone is saying. Granted, the play-calling was atrocious down the stretch against the Rams, but I actually upgraded them for staying with one of the league’s elite teams. They get another test this Sunday, and I feel we’re getting a bargain. The new-look Ravens have impressed so far, but there’s no way this line should be a full touchdown.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+3) over DENVER BRONCOS (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): The Broncos are averaging just 15.3 points a game so far in losses to the Raiders, Bears and Packers, and it doesn’t get any easier against “Sacksonville,” even without Jalen Ramsey. Meanwhile, the Broncos’ defensive reputation (and that of new head coach Vic Fangio, formerly defensive coordinator for the Bears) has taken a hit as the first team to not record a sack or turnover in its first three games since the NFL started keeping track of those stats in 1982. Gunslinger Gardner Minshew wasn’t going to be intimidated anyway, and I expect him to outshoot Joe Flacco. The points are added insurance, but I’m calling for the outright upset.
Last week: 1-1.
Season: 2-4.