A Week 6 matchup between the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns will result in one team improving to a .500 record and one falling to a disappointing 2-4 record. The AFC clash also marks something that has never happened in head coach Bill Belichick's 23-year stretch in New England.
Browns vs Patriots Week 6
This is the first time the Patriots enter a showdown against the Browns with Belichick leading the way as an underdog. FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL odds lists Cleveland as a 2.5-point favorite on its home turf. New England has +130 odds on the moneyline to emerge from FirstEnergy Stadium victorious.
New England owns an 8-2 record against Cleveland over the last two decades and demolished head coach Kevin Stefanski's team in 2021. Quarterback Mac Jones threw for 3 touchdowns and running back Rhamondre Stevenson posted 100 yards and 2 touchdowns on 20 carries in a 45-7 victory.
These are two franchises that have gone in completely different directions since the turn of the century, which was when Belichick got hired. On one side, the Browns own the worst winning percentage in the NFL since that point (.337) and have been through 12 different head coaches.
On the other side, the Patriots own the best winning percentage in the NFL since that point (.715) and have captured a ridiculous six Super Bowl titles. With a rookie quarterback in Bailey Zappe drawing the start, it'll be interesting to see if Belichick can work his magic and earn a rare upset win on Sunday.