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Browns vs. Commanders prediction and odds for Week 17 (Trust Washington’s defense)

By Iain MacMillan

Dec 24, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Commanders are clinging on to their playoff lives, and a Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns will prove to be a pivotal one.

With a matchup with the Dallas Cowboys set for the final week of the regular season, this Sunday’s game is as close as a “must win” as you can get without it being mathematically true.

Can they take down Cleveland in a pivotal matchup? Let’s take a look at what the oddsmakers think.

Browns vs. Commanders Odds, Spread, and Total

Browns vs. Commanders Betting Trends

  • The UNDER is 5-0 in the Browns’ last five games
  • Browns are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against NFC East opponents
  • The UNDER is 9-4 in the Commanders’ last 13 games
  • The UNDER is 10-2 in the Commanders’ last 12 home games
  • Commanders are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven games against AFC North opponents
  • Commanders are 7-1-1 straight up in last nine games as betting favorites

Browns vs. Commanders Prediction and Pick

The Browns would have been better off sticking with Jacoby Brissett. Over their last three games, they’re dead last in the NFL in yards per play, averaging only 4.4 yards per snap.

Their defense hasn’t been much better, so Washington should have a huge advantage in that area in this Week 17 showdown. The Commanders are in the top half of the NFL in opponent yards per play and they’re third in third down defense. Teams are converting only 32.6% of their third downs against them.

Taylor Heinicke was benched in Week 16 in favor of Carson Wentz, but there hasn’t been a decision made yet for their Week 17 matchup with Cleveland. Regardless of who starts, I trust them more than I’d trust Watson.

Watson has completed only 57.7% of his passes since he returned and he has three interceptions to only two touchdowns. The Washington offense may not need to do much to beat this Cleveland team, so I’ll back the Commanders as small favorites.

You can track Iain’s bets on Betstamp here.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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