Last Updated on December 27, 2009 7:10 am by Anthony Rome
Raiders vs. Browns Pick
In a game only a bettor could love, the Cleveland Browns will host the Oakland Raiders at 1:00PM ET on Sunday.
The Raiders upset the Broncos 20-19 as a 13.5-point underdog in Week 15, while the combined score went over the posted today of 37 points. JaMarcus Russell threw for 47 yards with a touchdown in place of injured starter Charlie Frye, while running back Michael Bush rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
The Browns beat the Chiefs 41-34 as a 2.5-point underdog in Week 15, while the combined score went over the posted total of 38.5 points. Jerome Harrison rushed for a team record 286 yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries in the win, while Josh Cribbs returned two kickoffs for scores.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Browns 3-point favorites over the Raiders in Week 16. The over/under total for today’s game has been set at 38 points.
Some trends to consider when looking at this game are Oakland is 1-4 against the spread in its last five games when playing Cleveland, while the Browns are a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five games.
Brady Quinn was placed on IR early in the week, so the general thinking might be to take the Raiders after they just pulled off a great upset over Denver in Week 15. But we’re going to play into the ebb and flow of the NFL and cash in on Oakland’s inconsistency this season.
The Raiders haven’t won back-to-back games all season and have failed to cover in consecutive games all season. Even with Derek Anderson starting under center, we still like Cleveland to continue its hot streak and earn a win over an Oakland team that doesn’t know whether or not Frye will start after he suffered a concussion. We’re hoping that the ultra-horrible Russell starts and plays the entire game for the Raiders to ensure a Browns’ victory.
Our free pick prediction for this game is the Browns –3 and the under 38. Neither team is expected to score many points and with the wind being somewhat of a factor today, we love the under as much as we do the Browns.
Our NFL Week 16 Free Pick for this matchup is: CLEVELAND BROWNS -3 and UNDER 38.
Raiders vs. Browns Current Odds
105 Oakland Raiders +3 Over 38
106 Cleveland Browns –3 Under 38
Oakland is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Oakland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland’s last 9 games at home
OAKLAND
[WR] 12/20/2009 – Nick Miller "?" Sunday vs. Cleveland ( Shin )
[LB] 11/22/2009 – Ricky Brown IR ( Ankle )
[LB] 11/26/2009 – Jon Alston IR ( Concussion )
[WR] 12/20/2009 – Darrius Heyward-Bey "?" Sunday vs. Cleveland ( Foot )
[OG] 12/14/2009 – Robert Gallery IR ( Back )
[QB] 12/20/2009 – Bruce Gradkowski "?" Sunday vs. Cleveland ( Knee )
[TE] 12/24/2009 – Zach Miller is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Cleveland ( Concussion )
[QB] 12/23/2009 – Charlie Frye is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Cleveland ( Concussion )
[TE] 12/21/2009 – Brandon Myers injured last game, doubtful Sunday vs. Cleveland ( Concussion )
[cb] 12/21/2009 – Chris Johnson injured last game, "?" Sunday vs. Cleveland ( Ankle )
[RB] 12/21/2009 – Justin Fargas injured last game, probable Sunday vs. Cleveland ( Knee )
[G] 12/22/2009 – Cooper Carlisle "?" Sunday vs. Cleveland ( Knee )
[RB] 12/24/2009 – Luke Lawton out for season ( Suspension )
CLEVELAND
[WR] 08/20/2009 – Donte Stallworth out for season ( Suspension )
[OG] 09/01/2009 – Ryan Tucker IR ( Knee )
[OG] 09/01/2009 – Fred Weary IR ( Leg )
[RB] 10/03/2009 – James Davis IR ( Shoulder )
[LB] 10/20/2009 – D’Qwell Jackson IR ( Pectoral )
[LB] 11/03/2009 – Eric Barton IR ( Neck )
[TE] 11/19/2009 – Steve Heiden IR ( Ankle )
[P] 11/19/2009 – Dave Zastudil IR ( Knee )
[DT] 11/30/2009 – Shaun Rogers IR ( Ankle )
[FS] 12/03/2009 – Brodney Pool IR ( Concussion )
[RB] 12/02/2009 – Jamal Lewis IR ( Head )
[TE] 09/06/2009 – Evan Moore IR ( Undisclosed )
[DE] 12/07/2009 – C.J. Mosley IR ( Leg )
[DB] 12/20/2009 – Raymond Ventrone "?" Sunday vs. Oakland ( Finger )
[DL] 12/20/2009 – Robaire Smith "?" Sunday vs. Oakland ( Groin )
[QB] 12/22/2009 – Brady Quinn IR ( Foot )
[DL] 12/23/2009 – Corey Williams injured last game, "?" Sunday vs. Oakland ( Leg )
Posted: 12/27/09 7:10AM ET