If you look back at the first two games for the Rams and the Browns, you will find they faced somewhat similar opponents.

Los Angeles beat a below-average Carolina team that evidently has a banged-up quarterback, then beat a Saints team that lost quarterback Drew Brees during the game. Cleveland lost its home opener to a Tennessee team that also appears to be below average, then trounced a Jets team that was down to its third quarterback and was fleeced of its defensive stars.

The point is, I believe these teams are much more evenly matched than one might think. I made this line 2¹/₂ in favor of the visiting Rams. It opened -3 and has moved at quite a few books to 3¹/₂, which is a very substantial move and is due to a large percentage of both the money and the ticket count on the road favorite.

With the “new” Browns now having a few reps under their belt and owing the home crowd a much more efficient performance, I’m expecting a solid showing Sunday night in prime time. It looks like the house is going to need the home ’dog — which is a side I don’t mind cozying up to.

The Play: Browns, but shop for +3¹/₂.