49ers vs Browns preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info
San Francisco 49ers vs. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are just 2-10 entering Week 14 and have looked every bit as bad as their record would indicate over the past few weeks. However, hope is coming in the form of Johnny Manziel on Sunday afternoon as they welcome the San Francisco 49ers to FirstEnergy Stadium for a contest with implications only in terms of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Manziel taking back over the starting job is the big story heading into this game for the Browns, but following the injuries of Manziel’s weapons in Travis Benjamin, Taylor Gabriel, and Gary Barnidge is also a big deal in terms of their success in this game. Meanwhile, Blaine Gabbert continues as the starter in San Francisco and the often-maligned veteran quarterback will need the help of running back Shaun Draughn to capitalize off of an improbable win last week.
Details for Sunday’s game are below:
Date: Sunday, Dec. 13
Start Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Cleveland, OH
Arena: FirstEnergy Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket
Radio: Here
Keys to Victory
It pretty much goes without saying that Manziel’s performance in this game is the most critical part of the Browns’ game plan. We’ve seen flashes of truly quality player from Johnny Football at several points this season, even if that hasn’t translated to his wins when he’s been the starter. However, he simply has the capability to do more things than either Josh McCown or Austin Davis can in the Cleveland offense and adding a more dynamic player to the offense is key for the Browns.
Likewise, Gabbert’s performance for San Francisco will determine their amount of success in this game. The 49ers quarterback has been shockingly competent since taking over the starting job, but it’s impossible to forget just how bad that he’s shown he can be. Avoiding that and showing consistency for the Niners against a poor defense will determine the outcome for San Francisco.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Cleveland Browns -1.5
Moneyline: Cleveland Browns -125, San Francisco 49ers +115
O/U: 41.5
Prediction
There’s no mistaking the fact that the Browns have been a huge waste of time in recent weeks, but—believe it or not—having Manziel finally getting the job back as the starter is immensely positive for them. Neither of these defenses are any good at all, so this has sneaky shootout potential. That said, I think that Manziel plays the hero on his home field and lead Cleveland to victory
Final Score: San Francisco 49ers: 24, Cleveland Browns: 30