The Packers are going to Cleveland to face the Browns, a team off to an 0-2 start here in 2025, extending their losing streak going back to last year to eight games. Cleveland has one of the worst offenses in the NFL, putting up just 33 points, which ranks 27th in the league, in two weeks and committing four turnovers, which also is 27th.
But it should be noted that the Browns‘ numbers are a bit deceptive.
Their defense has been very, very good for most of the way. Cleveland lost in Week 1 to Cincinnati, by a heartbreaking 17-16 margin, one that saw kicker Andre Szmyt miss an extra point, then miss a 36-yard field goal with 2:30 to play, which would have set up Cleveland for a win.
Joe Flacco threw an interception a minute later at the Cleveland 47-yard line, after the defense gave the Browns the ball back. They were within 15-20 yards of another field-goal try at the time.
Browns Mistakes Were Devastating in Week 2
And the Browns hung with the Ravens for most of their Week 2 game in Baltimore. The score was 13-3 in the third period when the Cleveland offense began coughing up chances, starting with an interception by Flacco that gave the Ravens the ball on the Browns’ 5-yard line. That score blew open a tight gave, and a fumble by Flacco that was returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter fed the score, too.
The Browns outgained the Ravens, 322-242, in yardage, but still lost, 41-17. Cleveland has allowed 383 yards in two weeks, best in the NFL.
That’ll be a key for the Packers. They’re seeking to feed star running back Josh Jacobs, who is off to a slow start (42 carries, 150 yards, 3.6 yards per carry), but he will be running into a very good defensive front.
Getty ImagesJoe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns is rushed by Odafe Oweh #99 of the Baltimore Ravens.
Packers-Browns Point Spreads, Over/Under
Obviously, Vegas was clued into the fact that the Browns are not as bad as the numbers say. The betting line opened with the Packers favored by 5.5 points, according to Vegas Insider, but bettors who are looking at the records have inflated the line up to 7.5 points at most bookmakers, and as high as 8.5 points at DraftKings.
It’s also expected to be a defensive affair, according to the betting lines, as the over/under has sunk from 43.5 at the open to 41.5 across the board. It’s not easy to cover an 8.5-point spread in a game that’s under 41.5 points, but that’s where the numbers are.
Packers-Browns Picks & Predictions From Around the Web
At Fox Sports, the score prediction has the Packers dominating, 30-13.
At PackersNews.com, both longtime beat reporters–Tom Silverstein and Pete Dougherty–see the Packers winning, 24-10. Ryan Wood sees it at 31-10, Packers, and Dominique Yates is going with 35-7.
Dan Johnson at Draft Kings has it 24-13, Packers.
If you want to find those willing to pick the Browns to at least cover the spread, you’ll have to go to the team’s SB Nation page, which has two writers–Chris Pokorny (Packers, 23-20) and Jared Mueller (Packers, 24-17)–picking the Browns to keep it close.
But the consensus in the picking world is the Packers to cover, with a split on the over/under.
Tucker Kraft, Andre Szmyt Good to Go
On the injury front, the Packers got good news on Saturday when it was reported that tight end Tucker Kraft , who has been the best-rated tight end in the NFC according to Pro Football Focus, will play despite a knee injury he suffered in practice this week.
The Packers had two injured lineman in Week 2, guard Aaron Banks and right tackle Zach Tom. Banks said no Friday that he is set to play on Sunday, and a decision on Tom came down to the wire. But he, too, is active.
The Browns got good news (we think) when it was reported that Szmyt, the kicker, would be active. despite his struggles, Cleveland is sticking with him here in Week 3. They’ll also have KR/WR DeAndre Carter available in Week 3.
Packers-Browns Week 3: Picks, Spreads, Predictions & Injuries