Week 15: Bengals vs Browns Picks
Week 15 NFL football action sees the Cincinnati Bengals taking on the in state rival Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Ohio. Cappers Picks provides free NFL football handicapping tips all season long.
While the game itself has major implications for the AFC North, the spotlight will be on the Browns offensive backfield every snap Sunday.
NFL Football Odds
Cincinnati Bengals (8-4-1) vs. Cleveland Browns (7-6)
Sunday, Dec. 14
1:00 PM ET
First Energy Stadium (Cleveland, Ohio)
FOX
NFL Football Betting Lines: Cleveland -1
NFL Football O/U: 44
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Rookie QB Johnny Manziel has been given the nod to start Sunday when the Browns welcome in division rival Cincinnati.
Cincinnati
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis made quite the statement in a press conference on Monday calling out Manziel for his height.
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Using an offensive term, Lewis later apologized for his actions. That being said, the damage has been done and this rivalry game, with playoff implications, just got a lot more heated.
The Bengals come into Sundays matchup holding the top spot in the AFC North just a .5 game ahead of Pittsburgh and Baltimore. With games against Cleveland, Denver, and Pittsburgh remaining, Cincinnati has their work cut out for them if they hope to hold on to that top spot.
After winning 3 straight on the road, the Bengals came home and laid an egg against the Steelers 42-21. The 42 points allowed was the most allowed at home for the Bengals this season. Overall, their defense is allowing just 21.6 points a game.
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QB Andy Dalton is listed as probable after suffering a shot to the ribs toward the end of last weeks lost to the Steelers. Dalton will look to avenge his worst performance of the season when he threw for just 86 yards and 3 interceptions against the Browns week 10.
With their current 3 game road winning streak, the Bengals record on the road has improved to 4-2 overall. In those 6 games, Cincinnati is 3-3 ATS.
Cleveland
With their playoff hopes looking dimmer, the Browns have asked Johnny Manziel to step up and get their team back into the race. A win over the 1st place Bengals on Sunday would be a giant step forward for Manziel and the Browns. The start for Manziel has been long anticipated for fans and the media.
While Johnny Manziel has had his problems off the field, he knows what needs to be done this Sunday. He told reporters he has been learning more and more everyday from former starting QB Brian Hoyer and feels he is ready to take on this challenge and help the Browns offense get going.
Cleveland’s offense has struggled mightily this season ranking 15th in both passing (239.8 yards a game) and rushing (114.0 yards a game). Brian Hoyer had thrown for just 1 touchdown with 8 interceptions over the past 4 games for Cleveland.
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The Browns are currently 4-3 inside First Energy Stadium. They’ve lost their last 2 games at home to the Texans and Colts.
NFL Football Handicapping Trends:
- Bengals are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games in December.
- Bengals are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
- Browns are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss.
- Browns are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 vs. AFC North.
Week 15 NFL Football
To have any chance at making the playoffs, Cleveland most likely will have to win out. Bengals QB Andy Dalton has thrown for 7 touchdowns and 4 interceptions since his performance against the Browns week 10.
Free 4* NFL Football Pick: Cleveland -1
While Johnny Manziel will have a giant target on his back all game, this is his opportunity to make a name for himself on the football field, instead of off.
Cleveland 23, Cincinnati 17
Manziel steps up in the spotlight and leads the Browns back into the playoff race.
Check out our Updated NFL Football Week 14 Odds.
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