The 5-7-1 Cleveland Browns are theoretically still alive in the playoff spot hunt in the AFC. The same is true for the 6-7 Denver Broncos, though, both teams have extremely thin room for error, given the timing of the season.
The Browns are +30,000 to win the AFC title, while the Broncos are priced +7,500 to win the conference.
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Betting Preview for the Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos NFL Season Week 15 Game on December 15, 2018
Where: Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver
When: Sunday, December 15, 2018, 8:20 PM ET
Historical Performance at Broncos Stadium
Both teams have an intriguing history at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The Denver Broncos have traditionally fared well against the Cleveland Browns on home turf.
In their past encounters, Denver has often leveraged the high altitude to their advantage, impacting the performance of visiting teams. The Browns have struggled historically in this stadium, a factor not to be overlooked by bettors.
Line: Cleveland Browns (+3) vs Denver Broncos (-3) – view all 2018 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: NFL
Key Injuries Impacting the Game
As the game approaches, injuries are a major consideration for both teams. The Browns could miss key players on the defensive line, which might weaken their ability to contain Denver's rushing attack.
Meanwhile, the Broncos are monitoring the status of a few starters, particularly in their offensive unit. Player availability might tilt betting odds and influence game dynamics significantly.
Betting on the Cleveland Browns (5-7)
The Browns must be feeling good about themselves following a 26-20 win over the Carolina Panthers at home in Week 14. Against the Panthers, rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield showcased his potent and accurate arm by completing 18 of 22 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions. The good thing for Mayfield is that the Broncos team he’ll face next no longer has the glowing defensive menace it used to have in previous seasons. Denver today is only 26th in the league with 264.2 passing yards allowed per game. They also surrender a middle-of-the-road 64.39 pass completion percentage. That’s the kind of defense Mayfield can take advantage, but the Browns could also capitalize on the Broncos’ stop unit that is 19th in the NFL against the run (119.2 rushing yards allowed per game). That’s good news for another rookie in running back Nick Chubb, who rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown in the Carolina game.
On the road so far this season, Cleveland is 1-5 straight up (SU) and 3-3 against the spread (ATS). Looking closer, we see that the Browns are 3-1 ATS in their last four games as underdogs.
Betting on the Denver Broncos (6-7)
The Broncos wasted a grand opportunity to build a bigger chance for a playoff seed when they lost to the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday on the road, 20-14. Prior to that, Denver was on a three-game win streak, a stretch that included inspiring victories over legitimate Super Bowl contenders, Los Angeles Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Another golden opportunity to win comes this weekend against the Browns, who may have improved, but still has plenty of holes the Broncos can abuse. Take for example the Browns’ leaky run defense that is only 28th in the league with 133.3 rushing yards given up per contest. Philip Lindsay should find vast green spaces to run against that kind of defense. Speaking of Lindsay, the un-drafted rookie out of Colorado has 967 rushing yards on the season to go with nine touchdowns on a 5.8 yards average per carry. He and fellow rookie Royce Freeman are mostly responsible why the Broncos are seventh in the league with 130.2 rushing yards per game.
The under is 5-0 in the Broncos’ last five home games.
Weather Conditions and Game Impact
Weather in Denver can be unpredictable, especially in December. Forecasts suggest chilly conditions, possibly affecting game flow, especially the passing game.
Wind could play a role in field goals, favoring teams with stronger rushing attacks. Both teams will need to adapt to any shifts in weather to maintain their strategies.
Writer’s Prediction
Cleveland wins, 27-24.
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The post Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos Predictions, Picks, Odds, and Betting Preview – NFL Week 15 – December 15 2018 appeared first on Sports Betting Tips, News, and Analysis.
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