The Green Bay Packers currently look like the best team in football, and after silencing the Washington Commanders on TNF, they’ll look to pick the bones of the Cleveland Browns in Week 3.
However, despite all the buzz surrounding Micah Parsons and Green Bay, my Packers vs. Browns predictions break down why there’s more to like with Cleveland than meets the eye, and why its defense could change this game.
Find out more in my free NFL picks for Sunday, September 21.
Packers vs Browns predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early Packers vs Browns spread pick: Browns +8.5
The Cleveland Browns have established themselves as a hard-nosed team that will rely on its front seven to win ballgames, but to this point, the offense has been a mess.
Cleveland has relied heavily upon 40-year-old Joe Flacco, throwing the ball with the third-greatest frequency in the league through two weeks, but they sit just 27th in yards per attempt and 19th in completion percentage.
The key to this game is going to be the Browns’ line, which has been one of the best in football. They grade as the best in the league when it comes to stopping the run and rushing the passer, according to Pro Football Focus, and Green Bay is running the ball at the third-highest clip in the league.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are also in danger of missing two starting linemen, including the excellent Zach Tom at tackle, which could throw a further wrench into their plans.
You’ve got to like the Browns’ chances on defense, and while that may not win them the game, it could keep matters surprisingly close.
Early Packers vs Browns total pick: Under 42.5
I realize it’s never fun to bet the Under — particularly when you’ve got one team which has almost exclusively thrown the ball — but the matchup is right.
The Packers grade out as the second-best team in coverage thus far, most recently tormenting Jayden Daniels in Week 2, holding him to just 200 yards on 42 passes.
Missed tackles have been the biggest issue for Green Bay, but the good news is that Cleveland’s had a tough time getting the ball into its receivers’ hands, and the Browns haven't thrown it downfield with any degree of success to start the season.
Green Bay’s pass rush should wreak havoc on a weak offensive line and hold Flacco at bay. The same goes for Cleveland’s defense, however, and if it can keep the Packers' ground game from getting going, we could see plenty of punts on Sunday.
Packers vs Browns odds
- Packers vs. Browns spread: Browns -8.5
- Packers vs. Browns moneyline: Packers -450, Browns +350
- Packers vs. Browns Over/Under: 42.5
How to watch Packers vs Browns
- Packers vs. Browns matchup
- Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET
- City: Cleveland
- Venue: Huntington Bank Field
- TV: FOX
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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