Browns vs Patriots NFL Handicapping
The New England Patriots host the Cleveland Browns in Foxborough on Sunday. New England is coming off a good win at Houston, while Cleveland was beaten at home in their last game by Jacksonville.
Cleveland Browns (4-8) at New England Patriots (9-3)
Date: Sunday, December 8, 2013
Time: 1:00 pm ET
Venue: Gillette Stadium
City: Foxborough, Massachusetts
O/U Odds: 45
Spread: New England -10
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New England beat a 2-10 Houston team in their last game, but the Texans did put forth a good effort, with the Patriots needing a pair of late field goals to eke out a 34-31 win.
Quarterback Tom Brady completed 29 of 41 passes in the game for 371 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
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His favorite target on the day was Julian Edelman, who brought in nine balls for 101 yards, while tight end Rob Gronkowski had six catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Danny Amendola and running back Shane Vereen added five receptions apiece.
Running back Stevan Ridley was a surprise healthy scratch which meant the team’s rushing duties fell largely on the shoulders of LeGarette Blount, and he responded with 44 yards and a score on 12 totes.
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The Patriots defense had some serious trouble on the ground, allowing Texans running back Ben Tate to rush for 102 yards and three scores. They also had trouble defending Houston’s top receiver, Andre Johnson, leaving him wide open on multiple occasions as he racked up eight catches for 121 yards.
The Browns have lost all three of their games since coming out of their bye week, the latest being the most embarrassing one yet, a 32-28 loss against Jacksonville.
The Cleveland quarterback situation is up in the air, with both Jason Campbell and Brandon Weeden dealing with injuries.
It’s anyone’s guess as to who will get the nod on Sunday. It was Weeden who drew the start against Jacksonville. He completed 24 of 40 passes for 370 yards and three touchdowns, but his numbers were boosted by a terrific performance by top receiver Josh Gordon who drew 15 targets and hauled in 10 passes for 261 yards and two scores.
Weeden also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. It was Willis McGahee who led the team’s backfield in touches, turning 16 touches into 71 yards and a touchdown.
The Cleveland defense was not helped out by the offense which surrendered a number of short fields. Jacksonville gained only 314 yards of offense in the contest. The unit sacked Chad Henne twice and also forced an interception.
Cleveland’s defense hasn’t been all it was cracked up to be prior to their bye, and with New England’s offense trending upwards in a major way, they are in position to hit this total on their own, particularly if their defense can force the Browns into the kinds of turnovers that plagued them a week ago.
The play: Over 45
