NFL football odds - Broncos vs Browns betting
Posted on 11/4/2008 2:54:19 PM
By Stan Simmons
NFL football odds: Will Quinn equal a win for the Browns?
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WHO: Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns (-3)
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WHAT: NFL football betting
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WHEN: Thursday, November 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET
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WHERE: Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland OH
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KEY STATS: Three of the last five games between these teams have gone over the total since 1992
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PICK: Browns
Broncos vs Browns odds have been thrown for a loop following a media conference call on Monday. Evidently, Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel has let the thunderous chants of “Brady Quinn!” get to his head, as the former first-round pick will make his first NFL start on Thursday night.
The last time Broncos vs Browns betting actually meant something was back in 1988—the famed AFC Conference Championship game notable for “The Drive,” and “The Fumble.” Since then, both Denver and Cleveland have been searching for replicas of the quarterbacks from that game—John Elway and Bernie Kosar. Fast forward to 2008, and these two teams have potential Pro Bowl quarterbacks in Jay Cutler and Brady Quinn.
Quinn, the former Notre Dame standout, gets his chance after Derek Anderson repeatedly faltered, culminating in last week’s 37-27 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Anderson was blamed for the loss after a late interception to Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs put the game and NFL spreads out of reach. The ’07 Pro Bowler was never able recapture chemistry with star receivers Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr.
It’s unlikely that Edwards and Winslow will have big games on Thursday, as new quarterbacks tend to take longer in the pocket, so expect Quinn to look for second and third targets like Donte Stallworth and Steve Heiden.
While the Browns may have been favored by a touchdown or more, the Broncos vs Browns line has been pushed to the generic three points for the home team. NFL odds still suggest that Denver will win the AFC East, however after two consecutive losses, including one last week again Miami, it’s looking like much less of a lock than before.
The Broncos struggled to contain the Dolphins’ “Wildcat” offense and couldn’t establish a running game, which is generally their niche. Rookie halfback Ryan Torrain will likely get most of the touches this week, as Michael Pittman is now on the shelf—making the freshman Denver’s third starting running back in nine games.
When making a Broncos vs Browns pick this week, bettors should know that the visitors are at a disadvantage in this contest in using a rookie running back. Mike Shanahan will be forced to alter his playbook and it will be critical for Jay Cutler to get in a rhythm using receivers Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall to exploit Cleveland’s secondary.
STAN’S PICK: In a battle between a team starting a rookie running back and a team starting a rookie quarterback, it will be the latter that will undergo the least adjustment. The Browns’ aerial attack game plan won’t change, while the Broncos will need to think fast if Ryan Torrain is unable to get past Cleveland’s tough run stoppers such as Shaun Rogers and Robaire Smith.
It’s a tough call, but bet on the Browns at home.
For more tips on NFL betting and Broncos vs Browns odds, check out BetOnline.com.
Stan
Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping
has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much
time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps
the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or
questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
