NFL Betting – Browns Face Uphill Battle To Make Playoffs

NFL odds – Cleveland Browns

• Can the Browns build on their 10-win season?
• Will Derek Anderson bounce-back after a rough finish to the 2007?
• Has the defense improved enough in the offseason?

The Cleveland Browns were one of the biggest surprises in 2007 and the online betting community has kept a sharp eye on their offseason moves.

The Browns traded their 2008 first-round pick in the 2007 Draft to select Brady Quinn, then traded their 2008 second- and third-round picks to acquire defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams.

By making moves for veterans, the Browns believe they are ready to compete right now.

On offense, that might be the case as the Browns return most of the unit that averaged 25 points per game.

The offensive line is solid but the real key will once again be Derek Anderson. Anderson unexpectedly emerged as an elite quarterback in 2007 but faded down the stretch. That can be expected from first-time starters, who are used to the wear and tear of a full-season but the Browns again won't make the playoffs if he finishes only seven touchdown passes and nine turnovers in December.

With Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow and Jamal Lewis back, the Browns have surrounded Anderson with excellent weapons. Now they just have learn about executing late in the season.

While the offense was playoff-ready last year, the defense definitely wasn't. They finished ranked 30th overall and as a result, online betting sharps frequently pounded the over in Browns' games.

The Browns rushing defense was deplorable as they allowed 4.5 yards per carry. Hence the acquisition of linemen Rogers and Williams. Both players should provide upgrades along the defensive front but neither has previously played in the 3-4 scheme, which could be a hurdle.

If the line is improved, the Browns should reap the benefits at the second level, where they have a solid group of linebackers.

The secondary is still a project – a failing project at this point – but Brodney Pool and Sean Jones are a solid safety tandem.

The biggest hindrance to the Browns returning to 10 wins or making the playoffs will be their schedule. They open up with Pittsburgh and Dallas at home, which is unlikely to produce a 2-0 record.

In 2007, the schedule was packed with cream puffs like Oakland, Baltimore twice, Miami, St. Louis, and the New York Jets. Those teams combined to finish 22-74 last year.

Now the Browns have to head to Washington, to Jacksonville, to Buffalo, to Tennessee and to Philadelphia and they'll have home contests against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts.

Nine wins is a stretch for this team, even if their roster is improved.

Stan Simmons' Pick: Under 8

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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?