Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Week 1 Predictions: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Cleveland Browns, Sunday Sept 12, for their first game of the 2010 NFL season. The Bucs won their last meeting 22-7, in Cleveland. NFL oddsmakers at BODOG.com have the Buccaneers as -3 point home favorites over the Browns while the game's total has been posted at 37 points . Be sure to get your Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Week 1 Predictions in now at BODOG.com
The Browns reshaped their roster through the draft and free agency in hopes of starting to close the gap with its rivals and improving on last year's 5-11 record. A four-game winning streak to end last season helped and they must keep that momentum going in what should be a very competitive year in the AFC North. The Jake Delhomme signing has not instilled much confidence with Browns fans. Delhomme is coming off the worst year of his career (eight TD passes, 18 interceptions) and was benched and eventually released by the Carolina Panthers. But if Delhomme isn't the answer, the team will turn to backup Seneca Wallace, who is a longtime Holmgren protégé. Cleveland has a lot of first- and second-year players who are unproven but are expected to be major contributors. Players such as second-year receivers Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi and rookies Joe Haden, T.J. Ward, a free safety, and Montario Hardesty, a running back, are expected to fill major roles.
The Bucs Raheem Morris enters his second year as head coach after posting an even 2-2 record over the preseason and hopes that the team’s offensive ability can carry them over the hump. Unfortunately for Tampa, injuries were a main factor in the preseason as starting quarterback, Josh Freeman, went down after only attempting eight passes. Luckily for the Bucs Freeman’s injury will not sideline him for week 1 and he is expected to be the starter. In the ground game, Tampa flexed it’s muscles with a number of talented running backs. Cadillac Williams is expected to get the bulk of the carries. Kareem Huggins probably had the most impressive preseason out of all the Tampa backs, collecting 134 yards on 25 carries. Tampa’s success will rely heavily on Freeman’s ability to pick apart the young Cleveland Browns secondary and also become mobile if Browns get pressure on him.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Browns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in September.
- Browns are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 games in Week 1.
- Buccaneers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in Week 1.
- Under is 5-2-1 in Browns last 8 games in September.
- Under is 5-2 in Browns last 7 games in Week 1.
Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
When: Sun, Sept 12, 1:00 PM ET
Line: BODOG.com
Pick: Bucs -3
Point-Spreads.com Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Week 1 Predictions
The Bottom Line: The Browns don’t have a secondary, they’ll get picked apart. Be sure to get your Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Week 1 Predictions in now at BODOG.com and receive a 10% sign up bonus on your initial deposit!
