You’d better believe that there is a lot of interest surrounding the Cleveland Browns at this point in the season. While it has only been 9 years since an NFL team (Detroit Lions) went winless for a full regular season, it hadn’t been since 1976 before that. Week 16 figures to be the Browns best remaining chance to get a single win because in Week 17 they will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers to wrap up the season. The Chicago Bears have lost six of their last seven games and haven’t won or covered once as a favorite in the past three years. It looks like the Browns may finally get on the board, but morbid curiosity seems to have many bettors (and fans) hoping otherwise. Will the Browns ruin a perfect (winless) season with a win in the Windy City?
Many people thought the Browns would have a good chance to win last week when the Baltimore Ravens visited but the Browns were never in the game. After Baltimore suffered a deflating, last-second loss to their rivals from Pittsburgh, some thought Baltimore might look past the Browns. However, Cleveland continued to do what they’ve done so well all season long: self-destruct. Quarterback DeShone Kizer looks nothing like a starting quarterback, throwing two interceptions and fumbling once as part of the team’s four turnovers. He hit a new low last week, becoming the first quarterback since 2009 to throw for -12 yards or fewer in a quarter.
The Browns have talent on the roster and have been capable of winning many weeks this year. However, these turnovers continue to deflate them. Every time they cough it up, the team just completely melts down. It also looks like Kizer, a young rookie, has really lost his confidence
If there is a positive, it’s that the Browns run defense ranks seventh in the NFL overall and leads the league in yards per carry allowed. If they can cut off the run – the Bears bread and butter – the Browns would be in better position to steal a win.
The Bears have lost six of seven but they have been close. They did lose by 10 last week in Detroit and by 28 at Philadelphia a few weeks ago, but other than that, their five previous losses were by one score or less. For the most part, they have been in their games.
The key for them this week will be to force the Browns into a couple of mistakes. That might be all they need. The Browns have given up the sixth-most sacks while the Bears have generated the sixth-most. On the flip side, the Browns defense is allowing opposing quarterbacks to post a quarterback rating of 102.6 – the best mark in the NFL. Although rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky struggled last week, this should be a much easier spot for him.
Some other teams might have looked past the Browns but the Bears are still fighting for head coach John Fox and still developing as a team. This game means something to them
Writer’s Prediction
The ground game is going to be the difference in this matchup as running back Jordan Howard of the Chicago Bears should have a historic day. Keyword, should but you never know with this Bears team. Pick: Chicago Bears (-6.5)
