Browns vs. Commanders Point Spread: NFL Week 17 Odds, Prediction

Edgar Chaput | Updated Dec 29, 2022

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The Browns’ meandering 2022 campaign inches closer to its conclusion when they visit the Washington Commanders in Week 17.

Cleveland
7-10
AT
January 01, 2023, 1:00 PM ET
FedExField
Washington
8-8
Pointspread +1 -107
Moneyline +103
Over / Under o +41.5

32%

Betting Action

68%

Matchup Odds
Pointspread -1 -112
Moneyline -125
Over / Under u +41.5

32%

Betting Action

68%

Matchup Odds

The Commanders still have all to play for. 

It’s difficult to know what to make of this year’s Cleveland squad for all sorts of reasons. Conversely, there is still reason for Washington fans to cling to hope even though recent games haven’t gone their way.

Ron Rivera’s Commanders are perched as -2 favourites on the NFL odds. The over-under is established at 40.5.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

Looking back at the recent history when these franchises set foot on the field is telling. Washington has claimed three of four encounters. Cleveland’s only win was in 2020, the organization’s first good season in what felt like forever. It also occurred early in the campaign, before the then Washington went on a run of its own to surprisingly finish atop the NFC East. 

6-9 is just another way of saying “forgetful season”, but everyone knows that isn’t true regarding the Browns. They weathered the storm well enough with Jacoby Brissett as their starting QB to still be mathematically alive as recently as Week 16. Decent efforts ATS has seen them cover three of the past five games. They are 3-4 ATS on the road. 

As for the Commanders, their 7-7-1 record against the spread is exactly like their outright win-loss tally. In fact, the outcomes of most of their games have directly correlated to successful covers or not. Oddly, their tie in the ATS stats wasn’t a result of their actual draw with the Giants, but rather the 20-17 defeat to the Vikings when they were +3 underdogs. 

Cleveland Browns

There was still all to play for at home last week when New Orleans visited. What’s more, the climate favoured the home side considerably. It was blisteringly cold and FirstEnergy Stadium’s field had a magical carpet of snow atop it. 

But the Browns put in their best Browns-esque performance despite the quarterback upgrade, falling 17-10. The loss eliminated the team from post-season contention. Given the climate and the Saints’ mediocre attack, no one was expecting fireworks, but neither team mustered 250 yards of total offence in a frigid affair. Deshaun Watson’s return to the field a few weeks ago has not provided the spark Browns faithful were hoping for. He went 15-31 on the day for 135 yards and an INT. The fact that the running game struggled with Nick Chubb (3.8 yards per tote) was probably the most infuriating aspect of the Christmas Eve defeat. 

Washington Commanders

How quickly things can change. Two Sundays ago, when the Commanders headed into their evening tilt with the rival Giants, the team was riding a wave of optimism not felt for a long time. Then the game happened. A critical fumble from Taylor Heinicke deep in their own zone was essentially the difference in a 20-12 defeat.

Next came a dance with the 49ers, a much sterner test. It was one of those games when a solid first-half effort against a club most knew was better than them never translated into second-half success. A 7-7 tie at the break devolved at George Kittle’s whim, as he scored two 30+ yard TDs, making fools of Commander defenders (this came after a 71-yard TD run by Ray-Ray McCloud III in the 2nd quarter). Before Washington supporters knew it, their side trailed 30-14 and forgotten man Carson Wentz was leading the offence. In fact, Wentz is currently top dog on the depth chart. Desperate times call for desperate measures. 

NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Browns vs. Commanders?

NFL Predictions
SportsInteraction
  • CLE
  • +1 -1
  • WAS
Matchup NFL Odds