Detroit Lions vs Cleveland Browns Picks and Predictions September 28th 2025

Detroit Lions vs Cleveland Browns September 28th 2025

The Cleveland Browns will visit the Detroit Lions at Ford Field for a Week 4 game in the 2025 NFL season. The game is set for Sunday, September 28, at 1:00 PM and will be broadcast on FOX. The weather in Detroit is expected to be mild, but since the game is in a dome, weather conditions should not impact play.

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The Browns come into this game with a 1-2 record, struggling on the road with a 0-1 mark. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski will look to improve their performance away from home. The Lions, led by Head Coach Dan Campbell, hold a 2-1 record and are undefeated at home this season. This matchup will be a test for both teams as they aim to gain momentum early in the season.

Browns vs Lions Key Information

• Sport: Football
• Teams: Cleveland Browns vs. Detroit Lions
• Venue: Ford Field in Detroit, MI USA — Dome
• Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
• Betting Odds: Browns Moneyline +368, Lions Moneyline -483, Browns Spread +9.0 (-109), Lions Spread -9.0 (-109), Total Over 44.5 (-107), Total Under 44.5 (-113)

The Browns Can Win If…

The Cleveland Browns are coming off a win against the Green Bay Packers with a score of 13-10. Quinshon Judkins led the ground attack with 94 rushing yards and a touchdown. On defense, Carson Schwesinger and Grant Delpit each had strong performances, contributing to the team’s victory.

The Browns have shown they can control the game with their defense. They rank 8th in sacks from last season, making it difficult for opponents to score. Their ability to recover fumbles, ranked 7th, gives them extra chances to score.

Joe Flacco, the Browns’ quarterback, is projected to throw for 236.5 yards in the upcoming game. With key players like Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku, the Browns have reliable targets. This combination of strong defense and capable offense gives them a solid chance to win.

The Lions Can Win If…

The Detroit Lions are coming off a strong win against the Baltimore Ravens, securing a 38-30 victory. David Montgomery led the ground game with 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Jared Goff contributed with 202 passing yards and a touchdown, showing the team’s balanced attack.

The Lions’ offense ranks first in scoring and first downs, making them a tough team to stop. Their passing game is second in the league, thanks to Goff’s consistent performance. The team also excels in third-down conversions, ranking fourth, which helps them sustain drives and control the game.

On defense, the Lions have a knack for forcing turnovers, ranking fourth in interceptions last season. Al-Quadin Muhammad and Aidan Hutchinson are key players on the defensive line, both contributing sacks in recent games. Despite some injuries, the Lions’ depth allows them to remain competitive, giving them a strong chance to win their upcoming game.

The Lean

The Lions are favored by 9.5 points against the Browns. Given the Lions’ strong ATS record as favorites, going 11-1 in their last 12 games, they are likely to cover the spread. The Browns have struggled on the road, going 0-3 ATS in their last three away games. My model projects a score of Lions 31, Browns 17, supporting a pick for the Lions to cover the spread.

The total for the game is set at 44.5. The Lions have been hitting the over in 75% of their last eight games. The Browns’ defense ranks 25th in opponent scoring, which could lead to a high-scoring game. My model projects a combined score of 48, suggesting a pick for the over.

Lions vs Browns Preview

The Detroit Lions (2-1) host the Cleveland Browns (1-2) in a strength-on-strength matchup Sunday. Detroit has scored 90 points over its last two games, fueled by David Montgomery’s 151-yard outburst against Baltimore. Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs added 67 rushing yards as the Lions piled up 224 on the ground.

Cleveland counters with the NFL’s No. 1 rushing defense, giving up just 57.3 yards per game. Myles Garrett anchors a unit that also ranks fourth against the pass. Joe Flacco has struggled for the Browns’ offense with four interceptions in three games, leaving the defense to carry the load.

Injury Report

The Browns’ secondary and defensive line are banged up. Denzel Ward (shoulder), Mike Hall Jr. (knee), and Shelby Harris (hamstring) all missed practice, while Jack Conklin (elbow) was limited.

Detroit listed Taylor Decker (shoulder), Sione Vaki (groin), Daniel Thomas (forearm), and Al-Quadin Muhammad (knee) on the injury report. Muhammad is coming off a 2.5-sack game against Baltimore.

Betting Results and Trends

Detroit opened as a short home favorite on the NFL odds page. The line has held steady with bettors split between Cleveland’s defense and Detroit’s offensive surge. The Lions are 2-1 ATS and trending Over, while Cleveland is 1-2 ATS with two Unders. The Browns’ offense ranks 30th in scoring at 15.3 points per game, dragging totals down.

What It Means Moving Forward

A Lions win would confirm them as NFC contenders with balance on both sides of the ball. For Cleveland, finding any offensive rhythm with Flacco is critical to avoid wasting an elite defense. Rookie back Quinshon Judkins may need another strong outing to give the Browns a chance.

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