PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's NFL Game of the Week
(NFL) Cleveland vs. Denver,
Money Line: -120.00 Denver (Home)
Result: Win
Money Line: -120.00 Denver (Home)
Result: Win
Everybody is talking about how good the Browns' defense is even saying it's Super Bowl caliber. However, Cleveland's defense is far less intimidating on the road. The Browns have surrendered an average of 29.7 points a game in four away games this season.
The Browns also aren't going to have Denzel Ward, their best cornerback.
So I have to side with the Broncos given their strong quarterback edge with Russell Wilson versus rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who will be making only second career NFL start. Cleveland's passing attack is very much limited with Thompson-Robinson behind center.
Sean Payton ran his mouth during the off-season about how bad Nathaniel Hackett was with the Broncos last season. It wasn't a classy thing to do, but Payton was right. Russell Wilson is having a strong bounce back season under Payton with a 19-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
This is a tough situational spot for the Browns. They are off consecutive narrow AFC North Division victories against the Ravens and Steelers. Their intensity could be down a notch going against this AFC West opponent.
The Browns also aren't going to have Denzel Ward, their best cornerback.
So I have to side with the Broncos given their strong quarterback edge with Russell Wilson versus rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who will be making only second career NFL start. Cleveland's passing attack is very much limited with Thompson-Robinson behind center.
Sean Payton ran his mouth during the off-season about how bad Nathaniel Hackett was with the Broncos last season. It wasn't a classy thing to do, but Payton was right. Russell Wilson is having a strong bounce back season under Payton with a 19-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
This is a tough situational spot for the Browns. They are off consecutive narrow AFC North Division victories against the Ravens and Steelers. Their intensity could be down a notch going against this AFC West opponent.