The Green Bay Packers picked up an essential win last time out against the Buccaneers as they try to remain in the NFC playoff race with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers nearing his return. Green Bay has struggled without its superstar but got back to 6-6 with the critical win and has a good shot at getting above it in Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns.
The Packers have a microscopic room for error but if they can just find a way to win this one they will likely get Rodgers back for the final three games of the season. Cleveland is winless on the season but is only a slight underdog and would love to pick up a victory to avoid going 0-16 on the year.
Green Bay’s season is hanging by a thread but a win in this one will keep it alive with a Rodgers return on the horizon.
This contest in Week 14 of the regular season will go down Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Green Bay Packers -3.5
Cleveland Browns +3.5
Over/Under 41
Odds Analysis
The Packers are more than field goal favorites on the road and the bettors are believing in them as more than 88 percent of the action is on Green Bay to cover. The scoring total is on the lower side, which isn’t a surprise considering the Packers have a backup quarterback and Cleveland’s offense has struggled all season to score points behind rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer. The “over” is the more popular play early on in the week but there is plenty of time for that to change.
Injury Report
Rodgers — The Green Bay quarterback broke his collarbone early in the season and was placed on injured reserve. The earliest he can return is Week 15 against the Panthers, but he did return to practice and seems on pace. Brett Hundley has been below average in his stead and Green Bay can’t wait to get its signal-caller back. He figures to be activated as long as the team is still mathematically alive in the postseason race.
Jabrill Peppers -- The Browns safety has a knee injury that he suffered against the Chargers. Cleveland has been hit hard by injuries and an ailment to one of its first-round picks could be a big one. Keep an eye on an update to Peppers’ status.
Danny Shelton -- The Cleveland nose tackle hurt his ribs against Los Angeles. He is a key cog at stopping the run and is another former high draft pick. There should be clarification on his injury early in the week. The Packers’ offense has struggled through the air, so it will assuredly try to run against Cleveland, which will be easier if Shelton is out.
Player To Watch
Josh Gordon -- The Browns wide receiver played in his first game since 2014 last time out. He is immensely talented but has been plagued by off-field issues with substance abuse. Gordon was suspended for a long time but has finally been reinstated.
Despite the lengthy layoff, Gordon had four catches for 85 yards last time out against the Chargers, proving that he can still be an impact player in the league. He figures to only get better as the weeks move along, and it will be a big task for the Packers to slow him down.
In a game that is projected to be close, a big play or two from Gordon could be huge. It’s great to see him back on the field and the Browns would love for that to result in a victory.
Free ATS Pick
This spread is much too high in favor of the Packers. Green Bay has played like one of the worst teams in the NFL since Rodgers went down and have to go on the road for this matchup. Yes, Cleveland is the opponent, but the personnel does not feature a wide enough gulf to give Green Bay this many points while playing on the road.
The Browns are going to cover this spread. The bigger question surrounds the moneyline. Cleveland could be the right choice as it may be able to pick up its first victory of the season. Take the Browns in a close one.
NFL Odds: Browns 23, Packers 20
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