Week 16: Cleveland vs Carolina
NFL Week #16 betting action sees the Cleveland Browns taking on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday December 21 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Cappers Picks provides free NFL handicapping tips all season long.
Both of these teams are still alive to make the playoffs but hanging by a thread.
NFL Odds
Cleveland Browns (7-7) vs. Carolina Panthers (5-8-1)
Sunday December 21
1:00PM
Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC
CBS
NFL Betting Lines: Carolina -3.5
NFL Betting Total: 40.5
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Cam Newton vs. Johnny Football would be a fun story but I am not sure if we will get it on Sunday.
Cleveland
The Browns are still eligible for the postseason but it doesn’t look very likely at this point.
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They have dropped 4 of their last 5 games and the offense has completely disappeared.
They were hoping that Johnny Manziel might provide a spark but after one start it is clear he has some development to do.
This week he is being handed the reigns again and hopefully he has learned from his mistakes last week.
Maybe being on the road will enable him to settle down a bit. They are not going to win inspite of him.
For Cleveland to be in this game they need to generate offense. Sure last week was terrible with a big goose egg to show for it but they have been in a funk offensive for the last couple of months.
Whether he is running or throwing Manziel needs to get some production.
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My advice would be to start the game with three straight QB draws just to get him into it. In college he rose to the occasion and it might be good for him in the long run to take some shots.
Carolina
It is hard to believe but the Panthers could potentially qualify for the playoffs with a sub .500 record, such is the state of affairs in the NFC South.
Even more shocking is that I am not sure a loss this weekend eliminates them, depending on how things shake out with New Orleans and Atlanta.
Right now Cam Newton is questionable and they definitely want to have him in the lineup if he is ready to go.
This whole season has been a slog for these guys but they have a chance to make it count.
Last week Derek Anderson showed the value of having a quality backup when he led the Panthers to a close win over Tampa Bay.
He certainly has experience and if the rest of the team can play well around him the Panthers can win with him again if they have to.
Newton may want to be on the field but they also have to consider his future as well.
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If the defense shows up against Johnny Football they don’t have to rush things.
NFL Handicapping Trends:
- Browns are 2-0-2 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
- Browns are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.
- Browns are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
- Under is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 home games.
- Panthers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
- Over is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
NFL Prediction: Carolina -1
No matter who is at QB I think the Panthers can win.
4* NFL Score prediction: Carolina 21 – Cleveland 17
For value sake I would probably rather see Anderson back there. Keeps things nice and easy at a smaller number. Take the home side.
Check out our Updated NFL Week 16 Odds.
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