Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns Picks and Predictions December 2nd 2024

Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns December 2nd 2024

The Browns and Broncos will face off on Monday, December 2nd at 8:15 ET on ESPN. The Broncos are favored on the money line at -240, and the Browns are +197. The Browns are the road underdog, with +5.5 points on the point spread. The over/under line is set at 42 points for this week 13 AFC matchup. Both teams need to add to their record.

Cleveland vs. Denver Key Information

• Teams: Browns at Broncos
• Where: Empower Field at Mile High Denver
• Date: Monday, December 2nd
• Betting Odds DEN -240 | CLE +197 O/U 42

The Browns Can Win If…

Following a week 11 loss to the Saints, the Browns bounced back with a 24-19 win over the Steelers in week 12, bringing their record to 3-8. Cleveland was a 3.5-point underdog but managed to cover the spread with the win. The game’s 43 points went over the 36.5-point line, marking the Browns’ second straight over.

Heading into week 13, the Browns rank 21st in our power rankings and have just a 1% chance of making the playoffs. They are 4-7 against the spread, with all four of their ATS wins coming as underdogs. Their average scoring margin this season is -7.4 points per game.

Heading into week 13, the Browns rank 31st in our offensive power rankings. They are 28th in the NFL in points per game, averaging 16.9, and 29th in yards per game, with 292.5. Cleveland ranks 3rd in passing attempts but is 21st in passing yards per game. On the ground, they are 26th in rushing attempts and 29th in rushing yards per game, with 88.2. The Browns have struggled on 3rd down, converting just 27% of their attempts, which ranks last in the league. However, they lead the NFL in red zone conversion percentage at 66.7%.

In week 12, Cleveland scored 14 points in the 4th quarter to beat the Steelers 24-19. Jameis Winston threw for 219 yards (18/27) but did not have a touchdown and threw one interception. Nick Chubb led the rushing attack with 59 yards and 2 touchdowns on 20 carries, while Jerry Jeudy had 6 catches for 85 yards. The Browns struggled on 3rd down, converting only 1 of 10 attempts, but they scored on 3 of their 4 red zone trips.

Despite allowing 368 total yards, the Browns’ defense was effective in their most recent game, coming away with four sacks and holding the Steelers to a 43.8% third-down conversion rate. Cleveland’s defense also pressured the quarterback, winning the QB hit differential by three and the tackles for loss differential by 10.

Pittsburgh completed 72.4% of their passes for 248 yards and rushed for 120 yards on 34 attempts. However, the Browns managed to limit the Steelers to just one touchdown, helping Cleveland secure a 24-19 win.

• The Browns have gone 1-2 over their last three regular season games. Their record vs the spread sits at 1-2 in these matchups, while posting a 2-1 over-under mark.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Cleveland has a record of 3-7. The team’s record vs the spread was just 4-6, in addition to an over-under mark of 4-6.

The Broncos Can Win If…

Denver’s week 12 win over the Raiders gave them two straight victories, bringing their record to 7-5. After a 31-point loss to the Ravens in week 9, the Broncos have bounced back with wins over the Falcons (38-6) and Raiders (29-19). They were favored in both games and covered the spread in each, including a 5.5-point line against Las Vegas. Denver is now 9-3 ATS this season, with a +5.2 scoring margin.

Heading into week 13, our projections give the Broncos a 63.1% chance of making the playoffs. They rank 23rd in our NFL power rankings and have a 0.4% chance of winning the AFC West. Denver is currently 3rd in the division with a 2-2 record, and they are 3-2 at home and 4-3 on the road.

Heading into week 13, the Broncos sit 22nd in our offensive power rankings. They are 18th in points per game (22) and 23rd in total yards, averaging 313.5 per game. Denver ranks 13th in passing attempts and 22nd in passing yards, with 201.9 per game. On the ground, they are 19th in rushing attempts and 23rd in rushing yards, averaging 111.6 per game. The Broncos are 21st in 3rd-down conversions, with a 37.3% success rate, and 22nd in red zone conversions, despite ranking 7th in red zone attempts. They have struggled early in games, ranking 25th in 1st-quarter scoring.

Bo Nix has been solid in his last three games, throwing for 273 yards and 2 touchdowns in week 12, with a passer rating of 94. He had a 4-touchdown, 307-yard performance in week 11 and a 215-yard game in week 10. Courtland Sutton caught 8 passes for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns in week 12. Before that, he had 7 catches for 78 yards in week 11 and 6 catches for 70 yards in week 10.

The Broncos’ defense came up with five sacks and held the Raiders to a 28.6% conversion rate on third down in their 29-19 win over Las Vegas. Despite giving up 300 passing yards, they limited the Raiders to just 69 yards rushing on 16 attempts. Denver also had five quarterback hits and one interception.

Las Vegas finished with 369 total yards, and the Broncos allowed just one touchdown through the air. Even though the Raiders had some success moving the ball, Denver’s ability to pressure the quarterback and limit the running game played a key role in the victory.

• Over their last three games, the Broncos have gone 2-1 straight up. In these games, they have a 2-1 record vs the spread and an over-under mark of 2-1.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Broncos have gone 7-3 straight up. This includes going 6-4 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 5-5.

The Lean

With the point spread sitting at 5.5 points in favor of the Browns, this is a great time to take the Browns to cover as road underdogs. Our prediction is for the Browns to win this one 21-20, making them our best bet vs. the spread.

For the over/under, we are leaning towards taking the under, with a projected combined score of 41 points and the O/U line at 42 points.

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Broncos Aim to Secure Playoff Position Against Upset-Minded Browns

The Denver Broncos (7-5) are riding a wave of momentum as they prepare to host the Cleveland Browns (3-8) on Monday Night Football. A win would not only keep their playoff hopes alive but also match their total victories from last season. Meanwhile, the Browns, reinvigorated under quarterback Jameis Winston, aim to disrupt Denver’s aspirations with an upset.

Broncos Look to Extend Winning Streak

Denver enters Week 13 as the AFC’s seventh seed, holding the final playoff spot. Fresh off a dominant 29-19 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Broncos have shown resilience since a heartbreaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where a last-second blocked field goal sealed their fate.

Wide receiver Courtland Sutton encapsulated the team’s rising confidence after their latest win:

“The tide is turning. The Broncos are in the spot we want to be in, back in the AFC West (race), and that’s an exciting spot to be in.”

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been instrumental in Denver’s resurgence, showcasing poise and efficiency. Over the past two games, Nix has thrown for a combined 580 yards and six touchdowns while being sacked just twice. However, facing Cleveland’s defensive juggernaut, Myles Garrett, will be his toughest test yet.

Injury Concerns for Denver

The Broncos’ injury list includes defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (shoulder) and cornerback Riley Moss (knee), who are both key contributors. Despite these setbacks, Denver’s defense remains solid, limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities in recent games.

Cleveland Browns: Spoilers with Momentum

Despite their 3-8 record, the Browns have shown signs of life since Jameis Winston took over for the injured Deshaun Watson. Winston has led the team to victories over AFC North heavyweights, including a 24-19 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Known for his deep passing ability and improvisational skills, Winston has brought a fresh energy to Cleveland.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski praised Winston’s impact:

“He has tremendous arm strength. He can get the ball down the field, and his leadership is energizing this team.”

Myles Garrett: A Defensive Game-Changer

Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, continues to dominate. With 10 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles, Garrett is a constant threat. Against Pittsburgh, he recorded three sacks and a forced fumble, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Stefanski emphasized Garrett’s influence:

“What Myles is doing, with the amount of attention he gets, is pretty impressive. It takes everyone to support his efforts.”

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Bo Nix vs. Myles Garrett

Denver’s rookie quarterback has shown maturity beyond his years, but Garrett’s ability to disrupt the pocket could spell trouble. The Broncos’ offensive line must perform at its best to protect Nix.

2. Jerry Jeudy’s Return to Denver

After being traded to Cleveland in March, Jeudy has found success with Winston. Over the last four games, he has hauled in 24 catches for 379 yards and a touchdown. Facing his former team, Jeudy will be motivated to deliver a standout performance.

3. Jameis Winston vs. Denver’s Secondary

Winston has excelled at stretching the field, but Denver’s secondary, led by Patrick Surtain II, has consistently stifled opposing quarterbacks. This chess match will play a critical role in determining the game’s outcome.

Injury Updates

Denver Broncos

• Bo Nix (back): Limited in practice but expected to play.
• John Franklin-Myers (shoulder): Status uncertain, potentially impacting the defensive front.

Cleveland Browns

• Myles Harden (shin): Designated to return from IR, offering a potential boost to the secondary.
• Key Absences: Tight end Geoff Swaim (concussion) and left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) will miss the game.

What’s at Stake

For the Broncos, a win would solidify their playoff positioning and build momentum heading into their bye week. The team’s offense, led by Nix, must find ways to counter Cleveland’s defensive pressure while continuing to capitalize on big-play opportunities.

For the Browns, this game represents a chance to play spoiler against a postseason contender. With newfound confidence under Winston, Cleveland will look to make its mark with another upset victory.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

This matchup pits a surging Broncos team against a Browns squad playing with nothing to lose. Denver’s balanced offense and improving defense give them an edge, but Cleveland’s disruptive front seven and Winston’s playmaking ability ensure a competitive contest.

Ultimately, if Denver can neutralize Myles Garrett and force Cleveland into turnovers, they should emerge victorious and move one step closer to securing a playoff berth.