Browns at the Packers NFL football Betting Pick
Cleveland @ Green Bay nfl betting Pick and Preview.
Things looked promising in the first half of last year for the Green Bay Packers. Their quarterback of the future, Aaron Rodgers, was progressing nicely, and a 5-5 record, while not dominant, was not a cause of concern. The Packers then finished the season on a 1-5 note, a seven game swing in the wrong direction from their 2007 season. Rodgers returns as the leader of the Green Bay offense, and not much has changed for the Packers.
The Cleveland Browns certainly must envy the Packers’ consistency in the last year. The Browns followed up a promising 2007 season with a 4-12 (6-9-1 AGAINST THE SPREAD) record, their fourth losing season in five years. The result was a head coaching change, as former New York Jets coach Eric Mangini takes over. Receiving tight end Kellen Winslow headed to Tampa Bay, and three key pieces to the defense scattered throughout the league. The real question, however, remains at quarterback, where there is a battle between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. Neither performed even adequately last season, which was surprising after an impressive 2007 season in which he threw for 29 touchdowns and nearly 3,800 yards as the starter. Both quarterbacks struggled throughout last season, throwing for 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions combined. Part of the concern remains in who will be catching the balls this season, as receivers Joe Jurevicius and Donte’ Stallworth are no longer with the team. Replacing them are rookies Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi.
Not surprisingly, Cleveland is a 3 point underdog heading to Wisconsin to face the Packers. The Browns will use the off season to hopefully settle their quarterback controversy and figure out who their quarterback of the future will be. Unfortunately for Mangini, he’s a defensive minded coach who is inheriting a team without much defensive personnel.
We like the Browns in this game at +3 for our NFL football betting pick.
