Saints vs Browns Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Hoping for Playoff Berth Miracles
We often hear about Christmas miracles during the holidays. The New Orleans Saints (5-9) and Cleveland Browns (6-8) would need miracles to make the playoffs, but both are mathematically alive. One thing’s for certain – winning out is a necessity. Which team will keep its hopes alive on Christmas Eve when the Browns play host to the Saints?
New Orleans is 1-2 outright and against the spread (ATS) over the last three games, while Cleveland is 3-1 ATS over the last four games.
Let’s check the latest NFL odds, stats, injury reports, and NFL lines for Saints vs Browns. We’ve plenty of Vegas NFL odds and NFL week 16 picks for you to consider.
Saints vs Browns Betting Lines
New Orleans is not Out of Divisional Race
From Week 9 to Week 13, the New Orleans Saints went 1-4 and 2-3 ATS. Following a 21-18 win over the Atlanta Falcons and a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss, New Orleans is only one game back from the top spot in the NFC South. NFL odds have the Saints as the fourth choice (+2000) to win the division, partly due to a 2-3 divisional record.
The Saints’ first step to winning the South is getting over their road woes. New Orleans is 1-5 outright and ATS in away games. Its last win on the road was in Week 1.
New Orleans ranks fifth with 7.3 yards per pass attempt, and quarterback Andy Dalton has recorded at least a 100 passer rating in three of the last four games. The Browns’ cornerbacks have struggled at times and the run defense ranks 24th.
The Saints’ offense could be without a couple of key pieces. Lead wide receiver Chris Olave (940 yards) is questionable with a hamstring and starting right guard Cesar Ruiz was placed on the injured reserve list.
Cleveland’s Improved Defense Leading to Wins
The Cleveland Browns are playing their best football, winning three of the last four games. The defense has especially raised its play, holding three of the last four opponents to fewer than 20 points. Cleveland has also hit the under in four consecutive games.
Believe it or not, the Browns are still alive for a Wild-Card spot. Of course, it would take various unlikely scenarios, like the Baltimore Ravens losing out, combined with Cleveland winning its final three games. But never say never; we’ve seen shocking playoff shifts in the past.
Cleveland’s run defense is still a problem, as it allowed 6.2 yards per carry over the last two games. However, the secondary has made progress. Cornerback Denzel Ward had some trouble with the Cincinnati Bengals Ja’Marr Chase (119 yards) in Week 14. Otherwise, Ward has played well in the last month, and safety John Johnson III comes off his best outing of the season. Defensive end Myles Garrett has also turned up the heat, recording 3.5 sacks in the last two.
Make sure to keep an eye on the injury report. Browns’ running back Nick Chubb (foot), Garrett (illness) and Johnson (thigh) are questionable.
Saints vs Browns Game Injuries
Saints vs Browns Head-to-Head
Since 2000, the Browns are 3-2 in their last five meetings with the Saints. New Orleans won the last matchup in 2018, but Cleveland has covered three consecutive games ATS.
Saints vs Browns Game Information
- Game: Saints vs Browns
- Date/Time: Saturday, Dec. 24, 1 p.m. ET
- Location: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH
- How to watch Saints vs Browns?: CBS
Saints vs Browns Live stream: NFL Game Pass
Take a Look at Other 2 Previews, Picks & Predictions For NFL Week 16 Matchups
- Giants vs Vikings Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
- Seahawks vs Chiefs Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Saints vs Browns Game Weather Conditions
A winter storm will sweep across the country through the weekend, which will impact many Saturday games. There could be some snow showers but with no noticeable accumulation. The temperature and wind, on the other hand, will be a huge factor. The forecast is projecting a high of 11°F but 28 mph winds will make it feel like a frigid -18°F.
Saints vs Browns Picks & Prediction
Predicted Score: Browns 17, Saints 13
- Worth Betting on the Moneyline?
You can’t discuss this game without mentioning the weather. Any passing game will be erased by wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph. We might see some short passes within 10 yards, but anything downfield will be impossible.
Roll with the better run game. The Browns rank fifth in rushing yards per game, while the Saints are 21st in rushing yards per game. Both run defenses rank in the bottom third. Chubb’s injury will be a big factor, but Cleveland can still get it done with backup running back Kareem Hunt, who has averaged at least six yards per carry in three of the last five games.
- Worth Betting ATS?
The Browns are three-point favorites and with good reason due to their advantage in the run game. When the Saints’ offense has played well, it’s mostly due to a down-the-field passing attack. The weather will not allow that. Plus, Cleveland just covered a 2.5-point spread at home against the Ravens, which also featured a low-scoring game in the cold. Don’t forget the Saints are 1-5 ATS on the road.
- Worth Betting on the Totals?
The projected total sits at 32½. Most would avoid such a low number, especially with horrible weather. The Browns hit the under last week in a 13-3 win at home. Every recent Cleveland win has been low-scoring with few points. I think that will continue, especially with nasty weather.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.