Cleveland Browns vs. Indianapolis Colts Betting Odds & Spread

Written November 27, 2008 by Jason Lowry

The Cleveland Browns will once again have Derek Anderson as their starting quarterback, as Brady Quinn lasted just three games before finding himself on injured list with a broken finger, but the Browns were quick to name Quinn the starter for the ‘09 season. This week the Browns will look to bounce back from a tough loss to the Texans last week when they take the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts might bot be the dominant team they once were, but they are winning football games, as they grabbed their 4th straight win last week with a 23-20 win over the Chargers. For those of you looking to bet on the NFL this weekend, the oddsmakers have the Colts 5 point favorites on the road over the Browns at Sportsbook.com

The Colts have really started to pick their play up, and that is in large part due to the fact that Peyton Manning is playing like the future Hall of Fame quarterback that he is. Last week against the Chargers, Manning threw it 44 times for 255 yards and 2 scores, as the Colts fought from an early 7 point deficit to win the game on a last second field goal from Adam Vinatieri. The Colts rushing attack is the only real concern that faces this team, as they just aren’t getting that same kind of push up front that we are use to seeing. Against the Chargers Joseph Addai led the way with 70 yards on 16 carries, but it was all Manning and the passing game in this one. Look for the Colts to try and get that running game going this week, but if it struggles look for Manning to take over.

The Colts defense played pretty well considering they were on the road, as they held the Chargers to just 2 Philip Rivers touchdowns, and most importantly kept LaDainian Tomlinson from having a huge day, as the star back had just 84 yards on 21 carries. The defense didn’t make a bunch of big plays in this one, as the only turnover came on Rivers fumble. Now this defense doesn’t need to create a bunch of turnovers to win games, they just have to keep the opposing team from making big plays, and you know the Browns will be trying to do just that. Bet Colts -5 at Sportsbook.com

The Browns might of hit the low point of the season last week when they scored just 6 points in front of the home crowd, and lost their future starting quarterback for the rest of the season. Now Quinn wasn’t too impressive during his time on the field, as he had 2 interceptions on just 8 of 18 passing for 94 yards. Anderson stepped in and wasn’t much better completing 5 of 14 for 51 yards and another interception. Braylon Edwards had a solid day yard wise, as he grabbed 5 balls for 85 yards, but had a number of big drops that really hurt the offense. The running game wasn’t much better as Jamal Lewis had just 58 yards to lead them on the ground. Its hard telling what to expect from the Browns this week, as many of the players might have already packed it in for the season.

The Browns defense played pretty well considering the offense had so much trouble. They did allow Sage Rosenfels to throw for 275 yards and a score, but most importantly they picked of Rosenfels 2 times. The run defense did a pretty good job against rookie Steve Slaton, as they held him to just 73 yards on 21 carries. With Manning and company coming to town this week, if the offense doesn’t help this unit out, its going to be another hard week for Browns fans. Bet Cleveland +5 at Sportsbook.com