Free Pick: Denver (3-3) at Cleveland (3-3) 10/21/21

Here are two teams in desperate need of a win, The Broncos are in the throes of a three game losing streak after opening the season 3-0. Cleveland is ravaged with injuries as both of their running backs are out, Baker Mayfield is trying to play through a shoulder injury, and numerous others are banged up. They certainly are the last team that needs to be playing a Thursday night game. Let’s check out the three betting angles.

TOTAL TEAM POINTS:

Denver 19.5 Points: The Broncos scored a combined 78 points in their first three games which were all wins. Keep in mind that came against three teams with a combined record of 3-14. In their last 3 games against much better competition they have averaged 17 a game. On the other hand, they have scored at least 23 points in 4 of their 6 games played. They are going up against a Cleveland defense that has given up 84 points the last two games so they are reeling. Denver is averaging 404 yards per game and quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater is having a decent year.

Cleveland 22.5 Points: The Browns are beat up offensively, especially with both running backs out. Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb have combined for 884 rushing yards and nine touchdowns and how many teams have three quality backs. Baker Mayfield has also been ruled out after aggravating his shoulder on his non-throwing arm that he has tried to play through for the past 4 games. He will be replaced by veteran Case Keenum. Receivers, Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham are hurt and that doesn’t leave much to throw too. All of this adds up to an offense that should struggle on Thursday night. The Denver defense is decent, but they have given up 27 points per game in their losses the last three weeks.

OVER/UNDER TEAM TOTALS:

The over/under for the combined points of both teams is 41. Cleveland is averaging 26 points per game, but that was before all the injuries hit them. It is hard to gauge what kind of offense they will have in this game with so many players out or playing hurt. Meanwhile, Denver is scoring 21 a game, but they have eclipsed that total in four of the six games they have played. Couple that with a Cleveland defense that has been very leaky as you are deciding this bet.

POINT SPREAD:

Cleveland is a 1.5-point favorite in this game and again that is a pretty good line to bet because if you like either team they are likely to win by more than 2 points. Very difficult to judge what the Browns are going to bring to this game with their personnel problems. Denver is much healthier and it will take a monumental effort by Cleveland in order to win.

PAPA DUDES PICK: CLEVELAND UNDER 22.5 Total Team Points

AARON’S PICK: Denver +1.5