The Cleveland Browns entered this season expected to mount a serious challenge for the AFC title. But after sustaining the latest blow of a disappointing season on Monday night, a loss to the Green Bay Packers could be a mortal blow for Cleveland’s NFL playoff hopes.
The Browns were severely shorthanded against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, playing without a number of starters on offense and defense, including starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. Cleveland very nearly pulled off a win that would have tied them for first in the AFC North but fell on a last-second field goal.
With a number of important players back in action, can the Browns handle the quick turnaround and push for the win in Green Bay? Or will new NFL MVP favorite Aaron Rodgers and the Packers take another step toward securing the top seed in the NFC?
Cleveland Browns vs Green Bay Packers Matchup Info and Betting Odds
Matchup Information
- Game Matchup: Cleveland Browns (7-7) vs Green Bay Packers (11-3)
- Venue & Location: Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
- Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX/NFL Network
Betting Odds
- Spread: Cleveland Browns +7 (-110), Green Bay Packers -7 (-110)
- Moneyline: Cleveland Browns +275, Green Bay Packers -350
- Total: OVER 46.5 (-110), UNDER 46.5 (-110)
Odds are from BetMGM as of December 25, 2021, at 9:20 a.m. ET.
Cleveland Browns vs Green Bay Packers Betting Outlook
Statistically, the Browns have one of the better defenses in the NFL. That defense, despite being down a number of key players, kept them in the game until the offense could mount a comeback. But when it mattered, they were no match for comeback king Derek Carr.
With only a handful of days between games, the Browns are still going to be missing several pieces on defense. That list is unlikely to include Myles Garrett, who plans to push through a groin injury and take the field. But it does include multiple starters and key depth pieces on the defensive line and in the secondary, which could spell disaster.
Their available players held their own for a good portion of Monday’s game in Cleveland, which was impressive all things considered. But this matchup will be a different story. And if Green Bay’s past four games are an indication, points will not be at a premium.
In that stretch, the Packers have averaged 35.8 points per game and given up an average of 30 points per game. They have scored no less than 31 points in each game and allowed no less than 28.
Last Four Games for the Green Bay Packers
- at Minnesota Vikings (Week 11): lost 34-31
- vs Los Angeles Rams (Week 12): won 36-28
- vs Chicago Bears (Week 14): won 45-30
- at Baltimore Ravens (Week 15): won 31-30
Is this a sustainable way to win? Perhaps not, but it is entertaining and will at least continue to work this week.
Green Bay’s offensive line is down multiple starters, with LT David Bakhtiari (knee) and RT Billy Turner (knee) sidelined. But Aaron Rodgers has been sacked three times in each of the last two games and it hasn’t really mattered to his stat line or the outcome.
Things are not humming along as swimmingly for Cleveland, however. Even when they have been healthier this season, the offense has been inconsistent week in, week out. Over their last 11 games, they have hit the 20-point mark only three times. If you’re winning in the meantime, that’s one thing, but they are 4-6 since starting 3-1.
With Mayfield and receiver Jarvis Landry back after missing Monday’s loss, the offense gets a big boost from a personnel standpoint. And with Nick Chubb facing a defense that has allowed 5.7 yards per carry across the past two games, the Browns should be able to move the ball and put up some points. They will certainly need to in order to keep up.
Cleveland Browns vs Green Bay Packers Prediction and Best Bet
Green Bay Packers 38, Cleveland Browns 27 (OVER 46.5)
An improved offensive performance won’t be enough for the Browns to avoid another devastating defeat. But it will be enough to help get over the line comfortably.
