Cleveland at San Francisco: NFL match betting preview, free tip & when to watch

Free NFL picks, tips and predictions for Cleveland Browns at San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.

When to watch

Sky Sports Action, 1.15am Monday night

Best bet

Over 46.5 points
2pts 9-10 Betfair

Game preview

Cleveland fans were anticipating big things this season following a decent first year for quarterback Baker Mayfield, the recruitment of star receiver Odell Beckham, and a host of other emerging young talents, but their start has not been spectacular.

Victory over the struggling New York Jets was all they had to show for their efforts in the first three weeks in the campaign, but putting up 40 points in a valuable all-AFC North win over Baltimore should leave them in good heart for their Monday-night visit to San Francisco.

Mayfield was hit just once in their win over the Ravens and, while the Browns offensive line could face a tougher test than the one they were exposed to against the Ravens, it should be a boost to their confidence.

If they get going they have the potential to post plenty of points, especially if running back Nick Chubb can build on his three-touchdown performance last week.

The problem in backing the Browns to cover the handicap at Levi's Stadium is that their defence has looked shaky, conceding an average of nearly 400 yards in their matches to date.

There is scope for the Niners to be even more prolific than they were in their last victory, a 24-20 home success over Pittsburgh, in which they came out on top despite committing five turnovers.

San Francisco have had the luxury of a week off after winning their opening three matches. The form of their victory over Tampa Bay has been boosted by the Buccaneers' surprise win over the Los Angeles Rams last week but their triumphs over Cincinnati and the Steelers look less impressive.

However, this is a great opportunity for the 49ers to prove to the watching nation that they can be considered the real deal this year and, with the Browns also possessing plenty of motivation to impress, it could be a decent game.

The lowdown

Venue Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Surface Grass
Weather Clear, 24C
Vegas handicap Cleveland +4
Vegas points line 47

Team news

Cleveland
Tight end David Njoku is out with a wrist injury. Wide receiver Rashard Higgins, tackle Chris Hubbard, cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams and safety Morgan Burnett are all rated questionable. Receiver Antonio Callaway is available after suspension.

San Francisco
Defensive end Dee Ford is rated questionable.

Key stat

Cleveland have covered the handicap in five of their last six away matches.

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