Cleveland Browns vs. Dallas Cowboys 2020: Prediction Against The Spread, Line For Week 4

If the Dallas Cowboys plan on being a Super Bowl contender, they have to beat the Cleveland Browns in Week 4.

Through the first three weeks of the 2020 NFL season, America’s Team has not lived up to the offseason hype. In fact, the Cowboys are an onside kick and a miraculous comeback away from being winless.

Dallas came up short against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, falling to 1-2. Cleveland defeated the Washington Football Team to improve to 2-1.

The Cowboys are still considered to be the better team. Dallas is a 4.5-point favorite at home over Cleveland, according to betting odds compiled by OddsShark. The total is 55.5.

Russell Wilson had another spectacular performance in Week 3, throwing for 315 yards and five touchdowns in Seattle’s 38-31 victory. It was more of the same for a Dallas defense that has been one of the NFL’s worst units in the early part of the season.

Only two teams have surrendered more points than the Cowboys. Dallas ranks 31st in the league, allowing opposing quarterbacks to post a 114.1 passer rating. Baker Mayfield visits AT&T Stadium with a passer rating north of 110.0 in two straight games.

Dak Prescott has had nearly as much success as the signal callers the Cowboys have faced. After throwing for 472 yards in Seattle, Prescott leads the league with 1,188 yards through the air. He’s thrown just five touchdown passes and a pair of interceptions, though Prescott has added three scores on the ground.

Cleveland’s defense is statistically above average. The Browns are eighth in yards per play allowed and 10th in total defense. Opposing quarterbacks have a 94.3 passer rating against Cleveland.

A large part of that is the result of facing Dwayne Haskins and the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense in consecutive games.

While Dallas overall has failed to meet early expectations, the Cowboys’ offense has been as good as advertised. Dallas ranks first in total offense with over 490 yards per game, picking up where they left off a season ago.

Cleveland has given up at least 30 points in two of their three games.

Mayfield and the Browns could have trouble keeping up with the Cowboys in a shootout, despite how poorly Dallas’ secondary has played. Only Sam Darnold and Mitchell Trubisky have thrown for fewer yards per game than Mayfield.

Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have combined to give Cleveland the No.4 rushing attack on 5.2 yards per carry. The Cowboys are giving up 3.8 yards per carry.

The Browns have played one game against a good team. They were blown out by the Baltimore Ravens 38-6 in the season opener.

Sunday offers the Cowboys a bit of a reprieve following contests with the Rams, Falcons and Seahawks.

Over 21,000 fans were allowed to attend Dallas’ one game at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys will have at least some home-field advantage Sunday.

Dallas is one of five teams searching for its first win against the spread. They are due for a big win in Week 4.

Prediction: Dallas over Cleveland, 35-24