NFL Odds: Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns

Written by Jack Jones on November 5, 2008

It’s time for some Thursday night NFL action when the Denver Broncos head into Cleveland to take on the Browns. The big news coming into this game will be the replacement at quarterback of Derek Anderson for Brady Quinn. Quinn was drafted with the no. 22 pick by the Browns back in the 2007 NFL Draft, but has spent his short year and a half career as a backup. It seems that odds makers think the Quinn will provide the offensive spark that the Browns need as Cleveland is listed as a 3-point favorite for this one with the total set at 46.

The delayed start for Quinn’s NFL career has come mostly due to the surprising job that Anderson did last year in a Pro Bowl caliber season. He was 10-5 last year in 15 starts and almost took the Browns to the playoffs, earning himself a contract extension and a secure starting job heading into the year.

Head coach Romeo Crennel felt like he had to make a change though, with Anderson only guiding the team to a 3-5 record and 17.8 points per game of offense is 2008. It’s desperation mode for Cleveland and they are hoping Quinn can rejuvenate the offense.

Everything has not gone according to plan for the Denver Broncos this year either who at 4-4 are leading the AFC West, but the team has dropped four of the last five games. Mike Shannahan and company are hoping to get back on track against a Cleveland team that they have beaten in seven straight matchups, including a 17-7 road win back in 1996.

Denver’s offense relies heavily on Jay Cutler to move the ball. He has 2,169 passing yards to lead the AFC and 15 touchdowns, but his 10 interceptions are a little high. He had three picks last time out against the Miami Dolphins and now has thrown six in the last three games. Cutler has a pair of talented receivers to throw to in Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal. Both have three touchdown grabs on the year while Marshall has 51 total receptions to Royal’s 46. Tight end Tony Scheffler and the running backs have been limited due to injuries, which has been one of the problems in the Bronco losing skid. Both Michael Pittman and Andre Hall were lost for the year, while Sevin Young has been battling a groin problem. This has forced Denver to rely on a pair of unknown rookies in Ryan Torain and Peyton Hillis.

Denver should feel like they are going to be able to move the ball against the Cleveland defense if last week was any indication. Joe Flacco threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns, and the defense gave up almost 200 yards on the ground as well. Cleveland comes into this game 28th in run defense at 148 ypg and their 13 sacks rank 26th in the NFL.

Some will say that Quinn isn’t going to be able to do much better than Anderson in moving the ball if the receivers aren’t able to catch. Braylon Edwards dropped a touchdown pass a week ago, but that has been the status quo for him this season. Donte’ Stallworth was supposed to be a solid free agent pick up for the Browns, but he’s been limited due to a quad problem and only has seven catches on the year. Tight end Kellen Winslow battled through a staff infection, but still has 26 receptions with only one touchdown. Running the ball hasn’t gone much better for the Browns as Jamal Lewis has only 533 yards rushing and three scores, and he hasn’t gone for over 100 yards in a single game.

If Cleveland’s offense is going to get going, you have to think it will happen against the Broncos defense that ranks 29th in the NFL surrendering 387.9 ypg. The pass defense has given up 243.2 of those yards to rank 27th as injuries are starting to take their toll. This week Denver will be without linebacker DJ Williams, corner Champ Baily, and most likely Marlon McCree. The Broncos are allowing 5.1 yards per rush, second-worst in the NFL.

Free NFL picks on the score of this game: Cleveland 24, Denver 21

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