OC DOOLEY
Seahawks / Browns Over 41
This total has been kept in check since Cleveland is coming off a season-low 268 yard offensive performance a week ago, while quarterback Colt McCoy ranks way down at #27 leaguewide in completion percentage (55.8). In addition the Browns top rushing threat Peyton Hillis is dealing with both hamstring and contractual problems. On the other side of the football Seattle has to turn to reserve quarterback Charlie Whitehurst due to injury problems that will keep Tarvaris Jackson sidelined. But the fact of the matter is that both teams involved in today’s contest are proponents of the “west coast” offense and in the last pair of appearances the Seattle offense has put a grand total of 64 points on the scoreboard. Most reading this analysis will remember the last start made by Whitehurst which was the final regular season contest of the 2010 season (NBC Sunday Night) which vaulted the Seahawks into the playoffs. Getting back to Cleveland the team last Sunday played below the total even though they played without their top defensive back. Left cornerback Joe Haden (knee) is listed as a question mark and last week on the road the Browns had to turn to rookie Buster Skrine at the left cornerback position. As mentioned earlier quarterback Colt McCoy has a low completion percentage but that is partly because he is on pace to set an all-time Browns franchise record for pass attempts in a single season. Turning to the database Seattle is 11-2 OVER/ROAD long term when coming off a “bye” week and also 6-0 OVER the number after three consecutive games where the defense permitted 400+ total yards. Here is a solid 72-PERCENT SYSTEM (39-15 past decade) which takes poor defensive teams like Seattle who have permitted 25+ points in consecutive contests OVER the total, against a weak offensive opponent who has put “17 or less” points on the scoreboard in three consecutive contests