Cleveland Browns: Can the Browns defy the Vegas odds?

Dec 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mario Alford (15) and Cleveland Browns free safety Tracy Howard (41) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mario Alford (15) and Cleveland Browns free safety Tracy Howard (41) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns don’t need many wins to beat the over/under odds, but this team has not done much to instill confidence in fans since 1999.

Betting on the Cleveland Browns is not exactly the smartest thing to do, but the betting lines may draw in some optimistic fans. Specifically, the line for total wins this season.

The Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas has the Browns’ over/under win total set at 4.5 for the 2017, which should be a manageable number of wins for any NFL team.

But when it comes down to it, should fans be confident enough to take the over?

Since winning 10 games in 2007, the Browns have yet to have another winning season. In fact, the team has only won at least five games in four of those years, with the team winning a combined four games in the past two seasons.

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Browns fans are well-aware of these numbers, but they come into play when deciding to bet on this team. So is five wins possible in 2017?

That is almost an impossible question to answer. The fact the Browns have won just four games the past two years makes it hard to project what will happen this season. Some like to go through the schedule and pick out potential wins, but that is an even more futile task.

This question will become an easier one to answer once the Browns have a clear starting quarterback.

If it ends up being Cody Kessler, five wins could be a realistic possibility. The same goes for the experienced Brock Osweiler, although he may be a longshot for that starting job.

But if the job goes to the rookie, DeShone Kizer, he may experience some learning pains that means this team is destined for another 3-13 or 4-12 season. And considering this team isn’t a playoff contender, Hue Jackson may choose to go with the rookie if the difference in wins would end up being just a game or two.

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If you’re looking to provide yourself with some optimism, head out west and put some money down on the Browns picking up those five wins. Just don’t spend too much on it.