Bets Pouring in on the Cleveland Browns, Yes, Those Cleveland Browns, in Vegas

Bettors like the Browns — not the Steelers — to win the AFC North.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 09:  Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball in the second quarter against the New York Giants during their preseason game on August 9,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 09: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball in the second quarter against the New York Giants during their preseason game on August 9,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Considering they went 0-16 last season, it’s a safe bet the Cleveland Browns will win more games this season than they did in 2017-18.

But you’d have to be crazy to bet the Brownies to win the AFC North, right? Maybe not.

Sportsbooks at venues like Caesars Palace and MGM in Las Vegas are taking bets on the Browns to win the AFC North, the AFC title and even the Super Bowl at a rate that is somewhat alarming to oddsmakers.

In previous years, the inflated lines on Cleveland’s games have attracted bets from sharps (pro gamblers), but this year apparently the public is more interested in putting cash on the Browns.

At Caesars, the Browns are 7-1 to win the AFC North and 20-1 to win the AFC outright. At MGM, Cleveland is listed at 60-1 to win the Super Bowl.

“There are more bets on the Browns to win the AFC North than the other three teams combined,” a sportsbook manager for Caesars Palace told ESPN. “Only the Raiders and Steelers have more bets to win the AFC [than the Browns]. The public likes the Browns, and I’m not sure why.”

Hosting the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday in Week 3 of the preseason, the Browns are four-point favorites.

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