The data suggests caution when backing the Cleveland Browns in this spot. Since 2014, when playing as large favorite (-7.5+), the Cleveland Browns are just 1-18-0 against the spread. That's a 0.0% win rate and a -90.0% ROI. Sharp bettors have found value fading this situation—the opposite side would have returned +90.0%.

🚫 Strong Fade
Record1-18-0
Win Rate0.0%
Sample Size19 games
ROI-90.0%
Units Won-17.1u
Time Period2014-2024

Year-by-Year Performance

SeasonRecordWin %ROI
20140-2-00.0%-100.0%
20151-0-00.0%+90.9%
20160-2-00.0%-100.0%
20170-3-00.0%-100.0%
20190-1-00.0%-100.0%
20200-1-00.0%-100.0%
20210-4-00.0%-100.0%
20220-3-00.0%-100.0%
20230-1-00.0%-100.0%
20240-1-00.0%-100.0%

Why This Trend Exists

The Browns' disastrous performance as large favorites stems from a fundamental organizational dysfunction that has plagued the franchise for over a decade. When Cleveland finds itself laying significant points, it typically indicates the betting market has overvalued temporary improvements or individual talent while ignoring the team's systemic issues with coaching consistency, quarterback instability, and late-game execution. Cleveland's struggles in these spots reflect a franchise that has historically lacked the mental toughness and leadership necessary to handle expectations. Large spreads often coincide with games where the Browns face inferior opponents at home or in seemingly favorable matchups, yet their inability to maintain focus and execute basic fundamentals consistently surfaces. The team's coaching carousel has created an environment where players struggle to perform when they're supposed to dominate, leading to flat performances against teams they should easily handle. The psychological burden of being heavily favored appears to weigh heavily on a franchise accustomed to disappointment. Players and coaches seem to press when expectations rise, resulting in uncharacteristic turnovers, penalties, and conservative play-calling that keeps inferior opponents within striking distance. This trend carries the most significance when Cleveland is favored by double digits at home against division rivals or teams with backup quarterbacks, where the pressure to perform reaches its peak.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cleveland Browns's ATS record as large favorite (-7.5+)?

The Cleveland Browns have a 1-18-0 ATS record as large favorites (-7.5+) from 2014-2024, covering the spread in only 1 of 19 games. This represents a 0.0% win rate against the spread in these situations.

Is betting on the Cleveland Browns as large favorite (-7.5+) profitable?

No, betting on the Cleveland Browns as large favorites has been extremely unprofitable with a -90.0% ROI from 2014-2024. This means bettors would have lost approximately 90 cents for every dollar wagered on Cleveland in these spots.

How does this compare to the league average?

This performance is significantly worse than the league average, as most teams cover the spread around 50% of the time as large favorites. The Browns' 5.3% ATS rate (1-18) represents one of the worst large favorite trends in the NFL over this period.

FADE This Trend

The data suggests fading this situation has been profitable. Compare odds to find the best value on the other side.

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Methodology

All trends in The Archives are calculated from official game results and closing point spreads from 2014 to 2024. ROI assumes a flat $100 bet at standard -110 juice. Win rate is calculated as wins divided by total decisions (pushes excluded). A minimum of 10 games is required for a trend to be published. Data is sourced from The Odds API and verified against official league records.