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Patriots in Pursuit of Fifth Straight Win as Browns Visit
The New England Patriots look to extend their winning streak to five games when they host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET on FOX, with chilly conditions expected in Foxborough.
New England (5-2) sits atop the AFC East and enters Week 8 as one of the league’s most balanced teams, led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye and a defense that ranks third against the run. The Browns (2-5) arrive off a morale-boosting 31-6 win over Miami but face a steep climb against a disciplined Patriots unit that thrives at home.
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Browns Hoping Momentum Carries Over
Cleveland snapped a four-game losing skid last week behind a breakout performance from Quinshon Judkins, who scored three touchdowns and rushed for 84 yards against the Dolphins. His physical running style remains the Browns’ best offensive weapon, as the team ranks 30th in total offense (270.7 yards per game) and 28th in rushing.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel continues to manage games carefully, completing mostly short passes. He’s 11-for-23 on throws beyond 10 yards as a starter, and the Browns have struggled to stretch defenses vertically. Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the need for more balance. “You want to be smart, but not overly cautious,” Stefanski said. “We coach our quarterbacks to take calculated shots.”
The Browns’ path to victory depends heavily on their top-ranked defense (256.1 yards allowed per game). Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith have kept opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable, and Cleveland ranks top five in pressures and opponent completion rate. Still, facing a mobile quarterback like Maye presents a different challenge.
For full team breakdowns and historical matchups, check the NFL Teams page.
Patriots Rolling Behind Maye and Defensive Consistency
Head coach Mike Vrabel has his Patriots playing disciplined, efficient football. New England’s latest win — a 31-13 victory over Tennessee — marked its fourth straight, fueled by another sharp outing from Drake Maye, who threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns.
Maye leads the AFC in completion percentage (75.2%) and has accounted for 14 total touchdowns with only two turnovers. His ability to extend plays and attack downfield has made the offense more dynamic than expected for a rookie-led unit. “He can make every throw and doesn’t panic under pressure,” Vrabel said earlier this week.
Complementing Maye’s efficiency, the Patriots’ defense has become elite against the run, allowing just 77.1 rushing yards per game. Linebackers Harold Landry III and Ja’Whaun Bentley anchor a front that consistently wins the trenches, and the secondary, led by Kyle Dugger, ranks among the best in opponent passer rating.
For expert handicapping analysis and game projections, explore the NFL Expert Betting Guide.
Injury Reports
Cleveland Browns
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Jerry Jeudy (WR) | Out | Knee |
| Adin Huntington (DT) | Out | Concussion |
| Joel Bitonio (G) | Questionable | Rest |
| Tyson Campbell (CB) | Questionable | Quad |
| Mason Graham (DT) | Questionable | Knee |
| Shelby Harris (DT) | Questionable | Knee |
| Rayshawn Jenkins (S) | Questionable | Wrist |
| David Njoku (TE) | Questionable | Knee |
| Denzel Ward (CB) | Questionable | Hip |
New England Patriots
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Elijah Ponder (LB) | Out | Knee |
| Craig Woodson (S) | Out | Ankle |
| Harold Landry III (LB) | Questionable | Ankle |
| Christian Barmore (DT) | Questionable | Rest |
| Stefon Diggs (WR) | Questionable | Chest |
| Morgan Moses (OT) | Questionable | Rest |
| Khyiris Tonga (DT) | Questionable | Knee |
Stay current with lineup shifts on the NFL Scores and Odds Injury Report.
Betting Insights and Trends
The Patriots have been dominant both straight-up and against the spread during their win streak. Their defense has consistently forced opponents into predictable passing situations, while the offense has found rhythm through balance and efficiency.
- New England is 4-0 SU and ATS in its last four games.
- New England is 4-0 O/U in games with totals under 42 points.
- Cleveland is 0-3 SU on the road this season.
- Cleveland is 3-1 ATS in its last four home games but 0-4 ATS away.
- The under has hit in 5 of New England’s last 7 home games versus AFC opponents.
Track real-time lines and public betting splits on NFL Scores and Odds.
Matchup Breakdown
This game features strength versus strength — the Patriots’ emerging offense against the Browns’ elite defense. New England’s balance has been a difference-maker during their four-game streak, with Rhamondre Stevenson and Drake Maye splitting offensive duties effectively.
Cleveland’s defense will need to win early downs and force Maye into uncomfortable situations. If Judkins can establish the run and Gabriel avoids mistakes, the Browns can keep it close. However, New England’s speed and efficiency should wear down Cleveland’s front over four quarters.
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Prediction
The Browns have the defensive personnel to make this a grind, but the Patriots’ execution, quarterback play, and home-field advantage make them the better bet. Expect Maye to extend drives with his legs and pick apart coverage late.
Projected Final Score: New England Patriots 24, Cleveland Browns 14
Best Bets: Patriots -7 | Under 40.5
For more matchup analysis, power rankings, and verified expert picks, visit the NFL Picks.
