NFL Sportsbook – Browns Take Their Overachieving Show to Miami

The Cleveland Browns have baffled the NFL Sportsbook all season long, winning games that they are not supposed to and hanging tough with top calibre teams. The banged up and underwhelming Miami Dolphins play host to the Browns this week in what should be a very competitive game.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-7) vs. MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-5)
Sunday, December 5, 1:00 PM ET

Sun Life Stadium, Miami, Florida
Broadcast: CBS

NFL Sportsbook Odds:

Cleveland: +4 ½ (-110)
Miami: -4 ½ (-110)
Moneyline: Cleveland +180: Miami -220
Total: 43 points

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The Cleveland Browns were NFL Sportsbook SU winners last week but they failed to cover against a pesky Carolina team. It is uncertain as to who will be at quarterback this week for the Browns but one thing is certain, Colt McCoy gives them the best chance to win.

The Browns owe their success last week and this entire season for that matter to one man – Peyton Hillis. He has the Cleveland running game ranked 12th in the NFL with 116.82 yards per game. Hillis himself ranks 9th in the league with 905 yards rushing and he is tied for second with 13 total touchdowns. The passing game (19th ranked – 193 yards per game) hasn`t had to do much – Hillis has dominated the offensive spotlight.

Colt McCoy has a sprained ankle forcing Cleveland to start the quintessential dud, Jake Delhomme at quarterback. He almost gave the game away last week throwing two interceptions. That marks the third time in three starts that Delhomme has thrown two interceptions. Browns fans are hoping that McCoy is a quick healer – with Delhomme at the helm, an opportunistic Dolphin defense just may single handedly defeat the Browns on Sunday.

The Browns defense isn`t winning too many games and although the 19th ranked pass defense and the 21st ranked rush defense may offer some resistance to Miami, they will not be the key to any success for the Browns.

That sound that you heard last Sunday was Miami Dolphins fans collectively breathing a sigh of relief. Chad Henne returned from injury and at least gave them an NFL Sportsbook chance that Tyler Thigpen never would have. He looked good, throwing for 307 yards and two touchdowns against a decent Oakland pass defense. Brandon Marshall was back at practice Wednesday for the 14th ranked passing offense – things are looking up for the Fish.

The Dolphins will go nowhere unless the 19th ranked rushing offense gets going. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams have been brutal this season but showed signs of life last week in a win over Oakland.

Miami`s defense has been good this season. They quietly own the 4th best passing defense (201.36 yards per game) and the 14th best rush defense in the NFL (103.91 yards per game). This unit held the stellar Oakland running game to just 16 yards last week and the unit has generated at least three turnovers in two of their last three games.

NFL Sportsbook Outlook:

The Cleveland Browns are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall and are just 3-13 in their last 16 games on the road.

The Miami Dolphins are 1-6 SU in their last seven home games and are just 5-13 ATS in their last 18 at home. Miami is just 6-26 ATS in their last 32 games as home favorites.

This game really depends on the availability of Colt McCoy. If he plays this game should be close. If he doesn’t, expect a blowout. Either way, the Dolphins showed that they can stop a one dimensional team in their tracks. By holding Darren McFadden and Michael Bush to a combine 16 yards last week, Miami proved to me that they are a formidable run defense. If you stop Peyton Hillis, you stop the Browns – period! I like the Dolphins to improve their brutal home record this week and win by 7.

NFL Sportsbook Pick: Miami Dolphins -4 ½