Panthers Browns Betting – Delhomme Shines As Browns Down Panthers
Online betting players should remember how bad Jake Delhomme was in his later years with the Carolina Panthers, as he became a turnover machine and the two had to part ways. Delhomme will get the nod for the Cleveland Browns when his former team comes to town on Sunday, and the veteran quarterback will show that he still has a little left in the tank.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, November 28th, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH
- Pick: Cleveland Browns -10
What’s On The Line
The lowly Panthers (1-9) fell for the fourth straight game in a 37-13 loss at home to the Baltimore Ravens, while the improving Browns (3-7) lost another close as they were edged 24-20 by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both of these teams have nothing at stake, except to get better as the season goes on. The Panthers may not even be thinking of next year, but for 2012. The Browns just have bad luck playing in one of the toughest divisions in football.
Offensive Matchups: Panthers Browns Betting
It’s bad in Carolina: did anyone know who Brian St. Pierre was before he started last week’s game against the Ravens? St. Pierre was 13-of-28 for 173 yards, a touchdown and two picks, both of which were returned for a score, and he was sacked three times. The Panthers amassed just 270 yards, and converted one of their 13 third-down opportunities. They have the worst offense in the league, and St. Pierre may not even be able to play this week. Jimmy Clausen practiced, but coach John Fox wasn’t ready to say he’d start. Again, it’s bad in Carolina.
From the look of it, Jake Delhomme will get the start against his former team, as he spent seven years in Carolina and led them to the Super Bowl in 2003. Colt McCoy continued his stellar play by passing for 241 yards, a touchdown and a pick against the Jaguars, but he also hurt his ankle. Peyton Hillis didn’t have a good game, but he should bounce back. The Browns would love to have Josh Cribbs in the lineup, but again, he’s hurt. Look for Benjamin Watson to see a lot of passes this week for the Browns, who are only three spots ahead of the Panthers in the offensive rankings.
Betting Edge: Browns
Defensive Matchups: Panthers Browns Betting
Carolina’s defense is 14th in the league and trying to hang in there, but since the offense can’t stay on the field, they’re often left out there too long, and you’re going to make a mistake at some point. They allowed 378 yards against the Ravens, forcing a couple of turnovers, but the offense failed to take advantage of them. The pass rush lost a lot when Julius Peppers left for Chicago, and the Panthers have really struggled against the run as of late. They’re going to have their hands full dealing with Hillis.
The Browns come in 23rd on this side of the ball, and they also couldn’t stop the run last week as they gave up 145 yards against the Jaguars. They also may be without linebacker Scott Fujita and cornerback Eric Wright, two starters, and the loss of Fujita hurts their run-stopping effort. Wright will be replaced by rookie Joe Haden, who has stepped up his play after a slow start to the year. Cleveland’s offense is far ahead of their defense, but they have the pieces in place over there, as well.
Betting Edge: Panthers
Notable Injuries: Panthers Browns Betting
Clausen (concussion) has been medically cleared, but he still may not play, and running back Jonathan Stewart (concussion) is in the same boat. St. Pierre (shoulder) is out, each means rookie Tony Pike will likely start. Running back Tyrell Sutton (ankle) is out, along with guard Travelle Wharton (toe), but defensive back Chris Gamble (personal) should suit up for the Panthers, who are banged up all over the place.
Cribbs (toes) didn’t practice again, and neither did McCoy (ankle) or Watson (ankle), although the latter should play. Fujita (knee) and Wright (knee) are doubtful for the Browns.
Betting Edge: Browns
Outlook and Pick: Panthers Browns Betting
NFL betting odds have the Browns as 10-point favorites at home against the Panthers, who are 2-0 both SU and ATS in trips to Cleveland in 1999 and 2002. Carolina is 1-3 ATS away from home, and while the Browns are only 2-3 ATS at home, they should cover the spread this week. The Carolina quarterback situation is a mess and we don’t even know who is starting, although it’s likely the rookie, Pike. The defense can only hold out for so long, and we think Delhomme will have a decent game against his former team; if you can’t get fired up for a game against the team that let you go (no matter how much you deserved it), you’re in trouble. Look for a big game from Delhomme as he leads Cleveland to the sports betting victory.
Stan’s Pick: Cleveland Browns
