The Week 7 edition of Thursday Night Football will take place at First Energy Stadium as the Cleveland Browns host the Denver Broncos. Both teams have filled up the injury report with some very notable names. Among those not suiting up for the Browns Thursday night are Baker Mayfield (torn labrum), Nick Chubb (calf), Kareem Hunt (calf), and Odell Beckham Jr. (shoulder). Noah Fant (foot) and Melvin Gordon (hip) highlight the injuries for the visiting Broncos. With both teams sitting at 3-3 on the season, this is a key AFC battle to kick off Week 7. It is also the first chance to make some extra cash for the week. Below is a look at the Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns matchup for the LWOS NFL Gambling Spotlight, Thursday Night Edition.
Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns Gambling Information and Predictions
Cleveland is a -3.5 point (-120) favorite according to DraftKings Sportsbook and the over/under is set at 42 (-110). In terms of making money line wagers, the Browns sit at -165 and the Broncos are +145.
With both teams dealing with the aforementioned injuries, and it being a short week for preparation, it can make this a tough game to handicap. With Mayfield unable to go, Case Keenum will be under center for the Browns. D’Ernest Johnson stands to be the starting running back for Cleveland since Chubb and Hunt both will not play.
Key Metrics
The following are According to DraftKings Sportsbook:
Both teams are 3-3 ATS (against the spread) in 2021.
The Browns have failed to cover the spread against their last seven AFC opponents when favored.
The Broncos are 1-4 in their last five road games against the AFC.
Average PPG (points per game) at First Energy Stadium in 2021 is 45, the over would be 2-1.
Game Flow
How the Browns Cover
With the Browns down to their third-string running back and backup quarterback, they are going to need to try and control the clock in this game. Johnson will get a decent amount of carries, and tight ends Austin Hooper and David Njoku will need to be prominently featured to buck the early season trend of Denver shutting down opposing tight ends. Donovan Peoples-Jones will need to continue breaking out. The defense will need to put pressure on Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and force him into making costly mistakes.
How the Broncos Cover
The Broncos need their defense to step up. The Browns are decimated with injuries on the offensive side of the ball and the Broncos big-money players on D need to take advantage of it. The Broncos defense has given up the fifth fewest points through six games this season. All the stars are aligning for this trend to continue. Bridgewater had zero interceptions during the first four games of the year. He has thrown four in his two games. Teddy “two gloves” will need to be smart with the football and utilize the explosiveness of rookie running back Javonte Williams.
[pickup_prop id=”13831″]
The Pick
Both teams are coming off of blowout losses. Cleveland was hammered by the undefeated Arizona Cardinals and Denver was beaten by the Las Vegas Raiders. If the Browns were even 75% healthy this line would be much higher and many would look at this as a “get right” game for Cleveland. However, that is not the case. Both teams are struggling, but the Broncos are healthier and they have a deeper roster. When push comes to shove, Bridgewater is the safer option over Keenum.
Broncos +3.5 and Under 42
Main Photo
