Browns favored with Manziel?
CLEVELAND, OH (The Spread) – Johnny Manziel makes his first start this Sunday when he leads the Cleveland Browns against the Cincinnati Bengals at 1PM ET on FOX.
The Browns are coming off a 25-24 loss to the Colts last week, their third loss in four games. The struggles have forced the coaching staff to pull Brian Hoyer and put Manziel under center. Manziel has thrown for 9 passes this season, but has a rushing touchdown in his lone appearance a few weeks ago against the Bills. Cleveland is now 7-6 on the season and 1.5 games behind the Bengals in the AFC North. The Browns are 7-4-2 against the spread this season and they have not won or lost consecutive against ATS in the last 10 weeks.
Cincinnati is coming off a 42-21 loss to Pittsburgh at home last week. The Bengals still have the lead in the division by ½ a game on Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Cincinnati has been a streaky team, going 6-6-1 against the spread. Despite winning five of their last seven, the Bengals are just 3-6-1 ATS in their last 10.
Oddsmakers like Manziel to lead the Browns to a win on Sunday, as oddsmakers from BetDSI have given Cleveland odds of -1.5 points against the Bengals at home. The over/under total for the game has been set at 44 points (View Matchup). Cleveland has won and covered the spread in three of its last four against Cincinnati, including a 24-3 win on the road on Nov. 6.
Manziel makes his first start against a rather tame defense. Cincinnati has not had a great year on that side of the ball, allowing 377.8 yards per game this season. Cincinnati ranks 27th in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 130.3 yards per game. Against the pass, the Bengals rank 21st, allowing 247.5 yards per game. Manziel will hope to spark the Cleveland offense, which is averaging only 353.8 yards per game.
Want More From TheSpread.com? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!
