A tough loss in Week 15 will force the COVID-weary Browns into a tough situational spot on Christmas Day as they take their 7-7 record into Lambeau Field to take on the NFC-leading Green Bay Packers.
It’s been a tough stretch for Cleveland. COVID ripped through their lineup in Week 15, forcing multiple key players to sit out. This resulted in a postponed game until Monday night, and forced them to start Nick Mullens against the Raiders. A crushing, last-second loss put them back to a 7-7 record on the season, and in the very tight AFC playoff picture, the Browns can ill-afford to lose more contests.
And though they’ll get some recovered bodies back in Week 16, to face Green Bay on the road on short test, is surely one of the more difficult tasks in football. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense is clicking right now, and though their defense has been inconsistent, it’s giving a chance for their offense to win them games. Green Bay is firmly zeroing in on a first-round bye, and despite a lingering toe injury for Rodgers, the veteran QB continues to play at an MVP-level.
With both teams badly seeking out a victory, it should produce a real post-season atmosphere in Green Bay on Christmas afternoon. For the most up-to-date trends, and the latest data – keep reading below for our betting analysis on the Packers vs. Browns, as we look to stay hot into the new year. Enjoy the game, folks!
#Browns pass-rushing situation going into a game vs. Aaron Rodgers:
Myles Garrett – gonna try to play through a groin injury
Takk McKinley – out for the year with an Achilles injury
Jadeveon Clowney – still on the COVID list https://t.co/XUgVHROhvM— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) December 23, 2021
Cleveland Browns vs. Green Bay Packers Live Odds & Betting History
*These odds are provided by BetOnline.ag
| TEAM DATA | BROWNS | PACKERS |
| Overall Record | 7-7-0 | 11-3-0 |
| ATS Record | 6-8-0 | 11-3-0 |
| Home/Away Record | 2-4-0 | 6-0-0 |
| Points Per Game | 20.9 | 25.6 |
| Points Against Per Game | 21.6 | 21.4 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 201.8 | 255.9 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 139.6 | 106.8 |
Cleveland Browns vs. Green Bay Packers Prediction:
Aaron Rodgers is in the midst of yet another impressive season, and should be getting more MVP buzz than what he’s currently generating. Saturday evening will be yet another solid opportunity for him to further pad his stats against a weakened Cleveland defense. But it may not be easy as COVID continues to rip through the NFL. Big play receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling will be out as a result, not giving Green Bay a viable second option to Davante Adams.
Making matters worse is the fact that the Packers are still expected to be without three blockers along their offense line, to take on a returning Myles Garrett. Rodgers isn’t the most mobile QB under center, and without key weapons downfield, the Packers’ usually efficient attack could struggle to move the football.
Cleveland also does a thorough job of bottling up opposing rushers. Green Bay boasts a decent tandem of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, but Cleveland’s front should be able to stymie them, consistently forcing the Packers into third-and-long scenarios.
For the Browns, they’ll be eager to get starting QB Baker Mayfield back in the lineup. Along with Kareem Hunt, Jarvis Landry, Austin Hooper, and nearly half of the offensive line – look for Cleveland to be nearing full strength for their big duel vs. Green Bay. Last week the reserves fought hard, but the Browns are a skilled team and should be able to show that on Christmas.
Green Bay has been porous against the run all season long, sitting in the bottom-half of the league in that regard. With Hunt back, along with a bruising rusher in Nick Chubb – look for Cleveland to keep the chains moving, and keep the ball out of Rodgers’ hands.
Downfield, Mayfield is having a solid season with pass completion and accuracy. Getting Landry back should help stretch the field, while the QB has also been particularly efficient in connecting with his duo of talented tight ends, Austin Hooper and David Njoku. Green Bay has struggled all season in limiting passing plays in the middle of the field, and the Packers’ linebackers have proven they aren’t up for the task. Just last week Mark Andrews of the Ravens decimated that group. Look for Cleveland to have some success as a result.
Here’s Brett Favre’s 442nd TD pass with the #Packers.
It came during a week 17 win in 2007 versus the Lions at home. Favre to Bubba Franks.
14 years later, Aaron Rodgers has a chance to break Favre’s record at Lambeau Field… on Christmas Day…. and hold the franchise record. pic.twitter.com/ffYEDg0XQE
— Kyle Malzhan (@KyleMalzhan) December 23, 2021
Browns vs. Packers Trends To Know:
- Browns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
- Under is 17-3-1 in Browns last 21 games in Week 16.
- Under is 4-1 in Browns last 5 games on grass.
- Under is 6-2 in Packers last 8 games on grass.
While the line would indicate a big-time mismatch, expect the returning Browns to provide a necessary boost into this talented Cleveland lineup. The Browns have little room for error in a tight AFC playoff race, and their style and rushing ability is well set-up to wear down the Packers’ defense, and keep Aaron Rodgers on the sidelines. Expect a low-scoring affair with Cleveland covering this number.
