Thanks to SB Nation's new partnership with OddsShark, I can tell you that the Browns and Bills were double-digit underdogs in their games against the Saints and Ravens, respectively, today. And yet, the lowly squads are staging an uprising, both leading by double digits in the first half.
Underdog Browns, Bills Rising Up On NFL Powers In Early Games
The Browns’ performance against the Saints isn’t that surprising, because Cleveland’s been feisty all year, and the Saints have struggled at times. But the way it’s worked out is a bit stunning, and not just because the Browns’ pulled off a throwback punt return.
Drew Brees has three interceptions, including a terrible one thrown into the gut of defensive lineman David Bowens and returned for a touchdown, and Browns punter Reggie Hodges rumbled 68 yards on a fake punt. Given all of that weirdness, it's a little less surprising that the Browns lead the Saints 20-3 at the half.
Meanwhile, the Bills apparently have a passing game again: Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown for three touchdowns, two to Lee Evans, and the Ravens' banged-up secondary has been woeful. It's 24-20 late in the second quarter of that game, and only because the Ravens offense has revved up late in the first half.
The winless Bills toppling the Ravens would be the bigger upset of these two games, and not just because the Ravens' defense is finally being exposed after decaying in recent years. The Ravens are playing in the much tougher AFC, and have already fallen behind the Steelers in the AFC North; Baltimore might need 10 wins just to earn a wild card berth, and gagging on a supposed gimme against Buffalo does not help.
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