Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Rams 12/3/23 – In a pivotal Week 13 NFL showdown, the Cleveland Browns, boasting a solid 7-4 record, are set to face the Los Angeles Rams, who are fighting to stay afloat at 5-6. This intriguing matchup, taking place on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at SoFi Stadium, is drawing significant attention from NFL expert picks, with both teams eager to assert their dominance and alter their seasonal trajectories.
Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Rams 12/3/23
| When: | Sunday, December 3, 4:25 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | SoFi Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | +3.5 -115 | o40 -110 | +155 |  |
| Rams | -3.5 -105 | u40 -110 | -175 | |
| ||||
putting in that work in LA @e_moore03 | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/PSYo3rton3
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 30, 2023
Deshaun Watson QB vs. Matthew Stafford QB
Deshaun Watson has given Cleveland’s offense a much-needed spark since returning from suspension. He’s thrown for over 1,100 yards in just six full games with a quality 85.3 passer rating. Most importantly, Watson’s prolific play has translated to a 5-2 team record as a starter. The Browns are now major players for the AFC North crown.
Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford has had turnover issues with eight interceptions over nine injury-riddled matches. The veteran field general is still averaging 251 passing yards per game with nine touchdowns for an 80.8 rating. But Stafford’s play has declined after last year’s league title. He needs better protection and execution moving forward.
Browns Emerging Rushing and Receiving Weapons
In the backfield, rookie running back Jerome Ford has been a revelation for Cleveland. He’s racked up 563 rushing yards at a 4.1 yards per carry clip as the lead ball carrier. Ford has scored three times on the ground while also catching passes out of the backfield. With Watson under center, the Browns offense has taken shape thanks to Ford’s development as a triple threat.
Cleveland has also unveiled a premier receiving trio in Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples Jones, and tight end David Njoku. Together that threesome has piled up nearly 1,500 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Cooper is the alpha receiver with 16.6 yards per catch and a pair of scores during an excellent inaugural campaign in Cleveland.
Rams Struggling Offense Looks for Spark
Despite winning the championship last February, Los Angeles’s offensive output has dropped off significantly this season. Running back Cam Akers had just over 500 total yards before getting released a few weeks ago. Now, rookie rusher Kyren Williams has taken over the Rams backfield with a respectable 4.7 yards per rush and six touchdowns. Still, the ground game lacks consistency.
The receiving core lost Odell Beckham Jr., after he signed with the Rams for their playoff run last winter. Los Angeles lacks a true WR. Newly acquired wideout Puka Nacua has been a pleasant surprise with almost 900 receiving yards and a 13-yard average. But quarterback Matthew Stafford misses having a game-breaking target to lift the passing game.
Rams Struggling Offense Looks for Spark
The Browns opened as narrow one-point favorites on the road Sunday, despite Los Angeles’s reputation and home-field advantage. That line has already moved to the Browns as virtual pick ’em favorites at -105 odds. The total sits at just over 40 combined points. Clearly, oddsmakers foresee a lower-scoring defensive battle between AFC and NFC foes.
Trends
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland’s last 6 games.
Cleveland are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games.
Browns are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against LA Rams.
Cleveland are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games against LA Rams.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland’s last 6 games on the road.
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Cleveland’s last 15 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference conference.
Los Angeles Rams Betting Trends
LA Rams are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Rams’ last 7 games.
LA Rams are 7-13 SU in their last 20 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Rams’ last 6 games against Cleveland.
Total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Rams’ last 5 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of LA Rams’ last 12 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Rams Betting Picks
Considering the teams’ recent performances and betting trends, this matchup presents a closely contested battle. The Browns, with their balanced offense, might have a slight edge, especially given Watson’s playmaking potential and Cooper’s deep-threat ability. The Rams, while underperforming this season, cannot be underestimated, especially at home.
The over/under is a tricky proposition, with both teams showing different trends. However, given both quarterbacks’ potential and the offensive weapons at their disposal, leaning towards the over might be a reasonable choice for those engaging in online sports betting.
Free Pick and Prediction: Browns 28, Rams 20
