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Andy McNamara
Browns vs. Giants Point Spread: NFL Week 15 Odds, Prediction
Two franchises with almost polar opposite records both fighting for a playoff spot, and each just having a four game winning streak snapped.
NFL Week 15 Point Spread and Betting Analysis
New York won the last head-to-head meeting 27-13 at FirstEnergy Stadium in November of 2016. Cleveland leads the all-time series 26-21-2. The Browns are 6.5-point favorites and the Over/Under is set at 44.0.
Browns are 2-6 against the spread (ATS) versus teams with a losing record and the O/U Over is 4-0 for Cleveland as a road favourite. New York’s 7-1 in their last eight as an underdog, and the Under is 5-0 in the past five games for the “G-Men”.
Cleveland Browns
In the thrilling 47-42 loss to Baltimore Monday Night, the Browns proved to the world that their offense can push any opponent to its limits. It also showed that this battered defense can be gashed by the run. Good news is that Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward is expected to return and New York doesn’t possess the same quick strike ability that the Ravens do.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield has come to life with an 8-to-1 TD/INT ratio over his past three, two of which came versus strong pass coverage units in Tennessee and Baltimore. Inside the red zone Baker’s cooked up 18-touchdowns to zero interceptions in 2020. News that Giants star CB James Bradberry was placed on COVID/Reserve list should free up opportunities for receivers Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins and the tight ends. Cleveland’s rushing attack sits third in average yards per contest (156.2) as the combo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt wreak havoc on anyone opposite their line of scrimmage.
New York Giants
Rookie head coach Joe Judge has done an impressive job of corralling his squad back from a terrible start to the season. Led by a solid defense that’s ranked 11th overall (seventh rushing, 17th passing), the Giants are still finding their way on the offensive side of the ball. Sophomore QB Daniel Jones’ development has been impeded with some injuries and it now appears that former Browns draft pick Colt McCoy will take the reins under center again.
The veteran McCoy is a dink/dunk specialist who protects the football and turns New York’s playbook into an ultra conservative one. Running back Wayne Gallman’s been a pleasant surprise in a decimated backfield, and has helped the Giants to 14th place in the NFL for rushing. An extra bit of intrigue is that Freddie Kitchens, last year’s Cleveland coach, will be calling plays on Sunday since offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is out due to COVID-19.
CLE
NYG