Cleveland Browns (7-4) vs. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)
Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Rams 12/3/23 – The Cleveland Browns take on the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday, Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 4:25 PM ET in a Week 13 clash. With pro handicapping advice in mind, this shapes up as a tightly contested affair between two hungry teams, albeit heading in different directions. Let us watch and expect a good game in this afternoon clash!
The Cleveland Browns rushing attack led by rookie Jerome Ford has been solid, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Ford has churned out 563 yards and 4 touchdowns on 136 attempts. The receiving corps featuring Amari Cooper has also impressed. Cooper has hauled in 45 catches for 749 yards and 2 scores. His 16.6 yards per reception shows his big play ability on the outside.
The Los Angeles Rams ground game spearheaded by Kyren Williams has been productive in limited touches, picking up 456 yards which is good for 4.7 yards per rush. Williams has found the end zone 6 times in just 97 rushes. Through the air, Puka Nacua has been Matthew Stafford’s top target with 69 grabs for 897 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 13 yards per catch demonstrates the potential to rip off chunk plays.
Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Rams Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 4:25 PM ET |
| Where: | SoFi Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Deshaun Watson QB vs. Matthew Stafford QB
Watson has rebounded from his early season suspension to stabilize the Browns offense. In 6 games he has a 85.3 rating with 1,115 passing yards, 7 touchdowns and 4 picks. His dual threat ability opens up the playbook for coach Kevin Stefanski. Watson has historically toasted the Rams. In 5 career starts against LA, he has racked up 1,321 yards, 8 total touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions while completing 70% of his throws. His QB mobility has given star DT Aaron Donald problems before, and that matchup could be key on Sunday. If Watson’s hot form in the 2nd half of 2022 continues, the Browns will be tough to beat.
Matthew Stafford is battling through injury difficulties as well as variance within the Rams offense. In 9 contests, he has 2,260 yards passing with 9 scores and 8 interceptions for an 80.8 rating. While this is below his MVP regular season a year ago, Stafford has proven he still has good football left in him. Getting the veteran signal caller healthy down the stretch will be paramount to an LA postseason push. Stafford has defeated the Browns in 3 of his last 4 starts against them. He will need to limit turnovers and take some shots downfield to dynamic wideout Puka Nacua to keep pace with Watson and company. This game could well come down to which former Pro Bowl quarterback makes more winning plays for his team.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Cleveland Browns -105, Total Odds: 40.5
The oddsmakers have this game close to a pick ’em with the Browns just slight favorites on the road. The total set at 40.5 indicates the expectation of a lower scoring defensive battle. With both offenses still searching for consistency, the under seems like the savvy play.
Cleveland Browns Betting Trends
The Browns have gone over the total in 4 of their last 6 overall. They are 5-2 straight up in their previous 7 games indicating good recent form. However, Cleveland is just 1-5 against the spread and straight up in their prior 6 meetings with the Rams. The over has hit in 6 of the Browns’ last 6 contests away from home.
Los Angeles Rams Betting Trends
The Rams are 1-4 against the number in their last 5 games and have stayed under the total in 5 of their last 7. LA is just 7-13 straight up in their past 20 showings highlighting their struggles. The under has cashed in 4 of the last 6 battles between these clubs. Also, the under is 4-1 in the Rams previous 5 at SoFi Stadium.
Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Rams 12/3/23 Betting Picks
This matchup is close based on the oddsmakers projections and that aligns with my evaluation. The Browns offense led by the Watson-Cooper connection should be able to move the ball against a Rams defense that has taken a step back. On the other side, Stafford needs to limit mistakes for LA to keep it close. In the end, taking the Browns and the points on the road as our expert football selection. The Rams have too many injuries to key defenders including Aaron Donald.
Free Pick and Prediction: Cleveland Browns 24, Los Angeles Rams 20