David Reginek-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns’ Ugly 2025 Season Just Reached a New Low

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 5:05 PM ET

Based on how the projections look for Sunday’s Cleveland Browns-Minnesota Vikings in London, we wouldn’t blame any fans in attendance for wondering which version of football they’re truly watching.

Oddsmakers don’t expect many points at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the FanDuel Sportsbook setting Sunday’s over/under at 35.5 points as of Thursday afternoon. Similarly, the DraftKings Sportsbook listed the O/U at 36.5 points.

Regardless, both totals are easily the lowest of any NFL game this season. ProFootballTalk noted that the Jets-Steelers O/U in Week 1 closed at 38 points in most books. Those who gambled (pun intended) on a shootout picked correctly, as the Steelers pulled off a 34-32 road victory at MetLife Stadium.

FanDuel listed the Vikings as -3.5 road favorites, while DraftKings had their line at Vikings -4.5 at publication.

Can rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel lead the Cleveland Browns to a victory over the Minnesota Vikings?Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On the one hand, we don’t blame the sportsbooks for envisioning a low-scoring game. Cleveland’s 14 points per game trail only the Tennessee Titans’ 12.8, and Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel will make his first start on Sunday. Gabriel replaces Joe Flacco, who completed 58.1% of his passes and threw six interceptions in four games. You won’t win many games that way in 2025.

The Vikings, meanwhile, average 25.5 points per game, tying them with the New England Patriots for 10th-best leaguewide. Carson Wentz has been adequate in two starts, Jordan Mason has broken out for 271 yards on 4.8 yards per attempt, and Justin Jefferson remains a dangerous weapon. Although Jefferson only has one touchdown, his 14.8 yards per catch is right in line with his 15.0 career average.

Still, the under feels too low, which is likely exactly what the sportsbooks want. Plenty of fans will pick against the Browns, simply because of their 1-3 record and reputation, and expect the Vikings to win 20-3 or 24-0.

Who knows? Maybe the over/under would have been higher had the Browns named Shedeur Sanders the starter over Gabriel.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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