Browns vs. Rams Point Spread: NFL Week 13 Odds, Prediction
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Nik Kowalski
Just about every key Cleveland Browns player is on their injury report ahead of Sunday’s clash at the Los Angeles Rams. Last week’s crucial loss came hurt even more, literally, as Cleveland dropped to 7-4 and to sixth in the playoffs but also went saw quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, receiver Amari Cooper, defensive MVP frontrunner Myles Garrett, and more exit. So as right now, it’s looking like either P.J. Walker or Joe Flacco will start this weekend for Cleveland at quarterback.
Two straight wins has the 5-6 Rams back in the hunt and ready to pounce on this wounded Browns squad. L.A.’s coming off a season-high 37 points last Sunday at Arizona as a key piece returned to their offence in running back Kyren Williams.
Kickoff at SoFi Stadium is starting at 4:25 p.m. EST with the Rams a 3.5-point favourite on home field and the total at 40 on the NFL odds.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Playing in shootouts isn’t the Browns M.O. but a scenario they’re having to find themselves in on the road this season with a 5-0 over record but 1-3-1 record ATS in their five road games. Meanwhile four of the Rams five home games have went under the total. L.A. is just 2-3 outright this season on home field too.
Nine of the Rams last 12 contests versus an AFC opponent have finished under the total too. The under is a strong trend with the reverse spot too, as Cleveland has seen 11 of their past 15 outings against an NFC team go under. Cleveland’s 3-12 outright in their last 15 games against an NFC West opponent.
Cleveland Browns
A total of 16 Browns ended up on the team’s injury report Wednesday. As mentioned, this list includes offensive linemen Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller, defensive end Myles Garrett, running back Kareem Hunt, tight end David Njoku, defensive back Denzel Ward, and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
While it may not have the most impact, Thompson-Robinson’s status is the main one to watch as the week goes on. If the rookie quarterback, who didn’t practice at all Wednesday with a concussion can’t go then it’s either P.J. Walker or Joe Flacco under centre for the Browns. Flacco just signed with Cleveland on November 20 so it’s safe to assume Walker would get the start. Although the Browns had moved on from Walker to Thompson-Robinson when Deshaun Watson went down. Bottom line, the QB spot is hurting in Cleveland.
Los Angeles Rams
Kyren Williams is currently the straw that stirs the drink in the Rams offence. The 23-year-old running back returned last week after a four-game absence and ran wild, finishing with over 200 yards and two scores. Matthew Stafford threw a season-high four touchdown passes and veteran tight end Tyler Higbee had a huge game scoring his two touchdowns of the season.
The Rams have wound up as more of a streaky team this season, which is why head coach Sean McVay has to be preaching to his squad that they’re getting hot at the right time. The final two NFC Wild-Card spots are for the taking and a healthy Stafford alongside Williams and receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp can cause some damage. Now they have to go and get it done.
CLE
LAR