Cleveland Browns (7-4) vs. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)
The Cleveland Browns visit the struggling Los Angeles Rams for this Week 13 NFL matchup on Sunday afternoon. With the Browns fighting for an AFC North title and the Rams barely clinging to playoff hopes, this cross-conference showdown has major implications. The Browns showing a strong season performance and the Rams fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, this game is a critical juncture for football winning picks and fans
The Browns enter riding a 5-2 SU run behind star quarterback Deshaun Watson. After serving his suspension, Watson has Cleveland’s offense rolling. The Rams hope to snap a disappointing 1-4 ATS skid and get back above .500. But with Matthew Stafford banged up, scoring points remains a challenge. Watson is clearly still shaking off rust, but his mobility and arm talent have boosted the Browns’ scoring. In his six games, Watson is averaging 185.8 pass YPG with 7 total TDs. Top wideout Amari Cooper is his go-to target, averaging 16.6 yards on his 45 catches with 2 scores.
Meanwhile, the banged-up Los Angeles Rams just haven’t gotten untracked in 2022. Stafford has labored through injuries and inconsistent protection. Top back Cam Akers is now done for the year, leaving the run game entirely in the hands of rookie Kyren Williams. He has been solid with 4.7 YPC, but LA leans heavily on the short passing game. New top WR Puka Nacua has emerged with a 13 YPR average, but explosive plays have been few and far between. The Rams put up just 16.8 PPG, second-worst in the NFL.
Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Rams Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 4:25 PM ET |
| Where: | SoFi Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Deshaun Watson QB vs. Matthew Stafford QB
With his full complement of weapons, Watson continues to settle back into his pre-suspension form. His accuracy isn’t quite there yet at 61.4%, but Watson is taking care of the football with just 4 INTs and making plays as a runner. Most importantly, he has the Browns back to playing balanced, efficient offense again. Over Cleveland’s current 5-2 uptick, Watson has a strong 10-2 TD-INT ratio with significant contributions on the ground as well. The Browns can beat teams multiple ways when he is rolling.
Meanwhile, Stafford has lost most of his weapons to injury and can’t find a rhythm. Playing through nagging injuries behind a leaky offensive line, Stafford has already thrown as many picks this year (8) as all of last season. While his arm talent remains, compromised mobility and decision making have plagued Stafford all season long. Until he gets fully healthy, the veteran continues to limit an already scuffling Rams offense.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Cleveland Browns -125, Total Odds: 40
The Browns are narrow one-point favorites on the road against the Rams, with Cleveland laying -125 on the moneyline. The total is set at just 40 points. Based on outputs so far, that relatively low bar seems appropriate. Both teams have trended to more unders of late, with defensive adjustments and offensive limitations ID’d above. Still, Watson has the ability to shred any defense if he’s feeling it. Considering the Browns’ balance and largely upward production arc, laying the small number makes sense here.
Cleveland Browns Betting Trends
The Browns have shown a tendency to exceed scoring expectations, with the total going OVER in 4 of their last 6 games. However, their record against the spread (ATS) against the Rams is concerning, standing at 1-5 in their last 6 encounters.
Los Angeles Rams Betting Trends
The Rams have struggled ATS, going 1-4 in their last 5 games. Their games tend to be lower-scoring, as indicated by the total going UNDER in 5 of their last 7 games. This trend might influence how they approach the game strategically against the Browns.
Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Rams 12/3/23 Betting Picks
The Browns are rolling on offense since Watson’s return and face a scuffling Rams group struggling badly to score points. While the LA defense presents a decent challenge, Watson’s varied skill set should allow Cleveland to put up a representative point total. Given Stafford’s issues with turnovers and inconsistency, it’s hard to expect the Rams to hold up their end. Their offense is just too limited right now. Lay the small number with a Cleveland group that has shown steady improvement each week. For top online betting, take the Browns -1 spread while keeping an eye on the total in case of a shootout.
