Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos (5-5 SU, 3-6-1 ATS) will be looking to win five in a row for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 victory almost eight years ago when they host the surging Cleveland Browns (7-3, 6-3-1) on Sunday in NFL Week 12 betting action at Mile High Stadium. The Broncos extended their impressive turnaround with a slim 21-20 win over Minnesota last weekend, and have now claimed victory by a combined margin of just 10 points during their 4-0 SU run. The Browns once again silenced naysayers with last weekend’s 13-10 win over the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, extending their current SU win streak to three games.

Latest Betting Notes: Cleveland Browns 

The absence of injured quarterback Deshaun Watson has failed to slow down the Browns’ steady ride in the AFC North standings. Backed by the NFL’s top-ranked defense, which has allowed just 18.0 points per game and a league-best 243.3 total yards per game, the Browns have limited opponents to 10 or fewer points in two of their three recent victories. However, Cleveland has regularly kept its fans on the edge of their seats, with five of the team’s past six games getting settled by four or fewer points. The Browns have also been forced to find ways to score on the road while surrendering almost 30 points per game in their four away contests to date, with the OVER going 4-0 over that stretch.

Latest Betting Notes: Denver Broncos 

For the third time during their current 4-0 SU run, the Broncos needed a fourth-quarter rally to escape with a 21-20 win over the Vikings last weekend, and have now seen six of their first 10 games this season get settled by three or fewer points. And after going winless ATS through their first six contests including a trio of outright losses as home chalk, this team may have finally turned the corner, going 3-1 ATS during their current surge. A dramatically improved defense has been a difference maker. The Broncos surrendered 33.3 points per game while going 1-5 SU to start the season, but have allowed just 17 points per game during their 4-0 SU run, spawning a 5-0 run for the UNDER in totals betting. In addition, quarterback Russell Wilson has steadily returned to familiar form, tossing for seven scores against no picks over the past four weeks, and has completed 12 scoring passes through the team’s fist six home dates.

The Keys to Victory: Browns

After leading the Browns to victory over Pittsburgh last weekend, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been anointed as the team’s starting quarterback in Watson’s absence, at least for now. The 24-year-old led the Browns on an impressive game-winning scoring drive late in the contest. However, Thompson-Robinson must still find a higher gear after completing just 55.8% of pass attempts last week, and failing to find the end zone for the third time in as many game appearances, while tossing four picks over that stretch. Rusher Jerome Ford accounted for Cleveland’s only major score last weekend, while compiling just 31 yards. However, Ford has saved his best performances for the road, where he has averaged 81 rushing yards per game, and topped 90 total yards in three of four outings.

The Keys to Victory: Broncos

The Broncos have enjoyed a breakthrough of sorts, but continued success is far from certain, particularly against a defensive powerhouse like the Browns. With just 19.3 points scored per game over their past five outings, the Broncos still have work to do before being considered a serious offensive threat. Indeed, Russell Wilson would certainly benefit from more protection from his offensive line, which has allowed him to be sacked 21 total times over the past six games. However, Wilson has still managed to develop chemistry with receiver Courtland Sutton, who has made scoring catches in five straight games, and eight times overall this season. The Denver defense has also provided Wilson with chances to lead the team to victory while allowing just three total points in the first quarter over the past four games. However, concerns linger about a Broncos rush defense that has surrendered 184 rushing yards page and three total scoring runs over the past two games.