Browns vs Eagles betting – Eagles must stay focused
Bet sports: Philly trying to hang in the playoff race
- WHO: Cleveland Browns vs Philadelphia Eagles (-14)
- WHAT: NFL Football Betting
- WHEN: Monday, December 15 at 8:30 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA
- KEY STATS: Browns are 10-4 against the spread in last 14 as an underdog of 10.5 to 14 points; Eagles are 7-3 against the spread in last 10 December games
- PICK: Eagles
Browns vs Eagles odds are obviously going to be one-sided. On one hand, you have a Browns team that has clearly lost faith in its head coach and is simply trying to get to the end of the season. On the other hand, you have an Eagles squad that is rejuvenated after consecutive wins against the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants, two top-tier NFC teams.
Online sports betting handicappers have probably noticed the difference for the Eagles has been their rushing attack. Entering Week 13, the Eagles were averaging just 23.6 rushing attempts per game. But in the last two weeks, the Eagles have rushed the ball for a total of 81 times.
Each sportsbook and bettor alike also realizes that means the pressure has been taken off of heavily scrutinized quarterback Donovan McNabb. After an ugly two-game stretch where McNabb threw one touchdown, five interceptions and had two fumbles, he’s thrown five score and no turnovers in his past two starts. That helps shift the Browns vs Eagles line in Philly’s favor.
For the Browns, positives have been few and far between this season. While there was a brief quarterback controversy between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn, both are now injured and neither will be available on Monday night. Journeyman Ken Dorsey will get his second consecutive start.
Online betting sharps watched Cleveland’s offense get off to a sluggish start before Dorsey took over, and it has deteriorated even more now. Dorsey has completed just 47.8 percent of his passes for a paltry 3.3 yards-per-pass. He’s also thrown two interceptions and no touchdowns since taking over.
With running back Jamal Lewis averaging 3.5 yards per carry this season, the second-lowest average of his career, and the defense ranking 27th overall, there won’t be much help for Dorsey.
It’s hard to side with the Browns for your Browns vs Eagles pick. They have completed only 29 plays of 20 yards or longer, which is a bad omen against a defense that just doesn’t give up long, methodical drives. That’s a big reason the Browns vs Eagles spread has crept so wide.
STAN’S PICK: Look for the Eagles to confuse, sack and harass Dorsey all night long as they roll in a relatively easy win. If you’re going to bet online, bet on Philadelphia, which needs a win to keep its playoffs alive.
For more Browns vs Eagles betting analysis, plus lots of hot info on other online sportsbook odds, hit up the Betting Edge at 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?.
