Earlier than the beginning of the season, if somebody instructed you that Washington could be in final place within the NFC North within the remaining sport in December with a shot on the playoffs, you’d have thought they have been loopy. As a substitute, they enter Week 17 with a 7-7-1 document whereas shedding two straight video games. With two wins at dwelling over Cleveland and Dallas, the Commanders would lock up a playoff berth for the second time since 2015. Their final successful season got here in 2016 (8-7-1). With one win over the ultimate two weeks, Washington might nonetheless make the postseason with yet one more loss by Seattle, Detroit, and Inexperienced Bay.
Because the return of Deshaun Watson, Cleveland went 2-2 whereas solely scoring 60 factors (33 over the previous three weeks). Because of this, they have been eradicated from the playoffs.
Taylor Heinicke stored the Commanders’ playoff hopes alive by going 5-1 over his first six begins after taking up for the injured Carson Wentz. After a tie and a loss to the Giants in back-to-back video games, Washington hooked him within the second half vs. the 49ers (166 passing yards with two touchdowns and one interception). Wentz began the yr 1-4 regardless of passing for over 300 yards in three contests (313/4, 337/3, and 359/2). He’ll begin Week 17 vs. the Browns.
Cleveland continues to rank poorly defending the run (414/2,015/17 – 4.9 yards per rush) whereas holding their floor vs. the go (6.9 yards per go try with 19 touchdowns). The Browns’ protection allowed 17 factors or fewer in 4 of their earlier 5 video games. Solely three groups have handed for greater than 300 yards (NYJ – 309/4, NE – 309/2, and MIA – 302/3). As well as, Cleveland has misplaced the time of possession in six consecutive matchups.
Chase Young made his first look of the season final week vs. the 49ers. Washington had him on the sphere for 30 of their 52 performs. The Commanders’ protection allowed 20 or extra factors in 11 of their 15 video games, with the very best exhibiting coming towards Chicago (7), Indianapolis (16), Houston (10), and Atlanta (13). They’ve 5 video games with 4 or extra sacks whereas holding quarterbacks to fewer than 210 yards in eight contests. Their protection has additionally been helped by low go makes an attempt per sport (29.8).
Over the earlier three weeks, Washington’s wideout gained over 200 yards (20/220/2, 13/219/1, and 15/205/3).
Browns vs. Commanders Odds
Moneyline: Browns (+110) | Commanders (-133)
Unfold: CLE +2.5 (-110) | WAS -2.5 (-110)
Whole: 40.5 – Over: (-110) | Beneath: (-110)
Recreation Information: January 1st, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. ET | FOX
Browns Straight-Up File: 6-9
Browns Towards The Unfold File: 7-8
Commanders Straight-Up File: 7-7-1
Commanders Towards The Unfold File: 7-7-1
Bet on Browns-Commanders at SI Sportsbook
Odds and Betting Insights
Each groups on this matchup wish to set up the run whereas taking part in properly on the defensive facet of the ball. The Browns are a significantly better workforce taking part in from the lead, because it forces groups to play into their energy defensively (defending the go and speeding the quarterback by Myles Garrett – 13.5 sacks). After 4 video games, Watson (completion charge – 57.7 and 5.7 yards per go try) has but to succeed in his earlier kind showcased over his 4 seasons with the Texans.
Wentz tends to be a dink-and-dunk passer (6.5 yards per go try over his final 52 video games), which may help lengthy drives however removes some large play potential for the Commanders’ finest wideouts. Because of this, Washington might want to end off drives within the purple zone with touchdowns by their working backs in the event that they wish to win this sport.
- The beneath within the sport whole has are available 5 consecutive Browns video games (7-7-1 on the yr).
- Cleveland is 4-3 vs. the unfold on the street (1-4 final 5 straight up away from dwelling).
- When Washington has been favored this yr, the beneath is 5-1 with 5 straight wins. The successful facet of the sport whole has been the beneath in 10 of their earlier 13 matchups.
- Midseason, the Commanders went 6-0-1 vs. the unfold, however they’ve did not cowl of their final three video games.
Regardless of the worst document, Cleveland has the higher general star energy on the workforce, however their offense has but to be sharp for the reason that return of Watson. Will their chemistry get higher over the ultimate two video games? I am leaning towards the Commanders on this matchup resulting from anticipated success scoring by way of the run, defensive play, and their teaching workers.
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