David Richard / AP
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, center, reacts after being sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, in Cleveland.
Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 | 2 a.m.
Week 16: Chiefs at Steelers
- Which side would you take in the Sun's handicapping game of the week? (Majority Poll Opinion this season: 9-7)
- Pittsburgh minus-3 — 71.6%
- Kansas City plus-3 — 28.4%
This poll is closed, see Full Results »
Note: This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
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I’m unintentionally fading the same team for the second NFL Sunday in a row with the South Point-lined Play of the Day.
It worked last week — barely — and one more cash could be big in building my bankroll back up to its starting $10,000 mark.
Cleveland Browns plus-4 at Carolina Panthers: $550 to win $500
The Browns were one of the most popular bets on the board last weekend. They’re one of the most popular bet-againsts on the board today.
There’s no big secret for what caused this phenomenon. Johnny Manziel, in his first NFL start, was anything but the “Money” persona he bestowed himself. He just cost people a lot of it.
I’ll fess up to being aboard the bandwagon last week. But unlike mostly everyone else, I’m not ready to jump off yet. I stand by Manziel being a better option than Brian Hoyer for the Browns, which means getting more than a field goal against one of the worst teams in the NFL is a bargain.
The betting line makes no sense after Cleveland was bet to nearly a field goal favorite against an above-average opponent in Cincinnati last week. The Panthers are far more helpless than the Bengals on defense, giving up 5.6 yards per play.
That’s seventh worst in the NFL despite a recent surge. The Browns are capable of completely shutting down the Panthers on offense.
Coming off of injuries sustained in a car accident, Cam Newton doesn’t figure to run much. That’s perfect for a Cleveland secondary sitting at second in the NFL against the pass, according to Football Outsiders’ DVOA ratings, with the likes of Joe Haden and Donte Whitner roaming the field.
Standings: Bern (59-51-1, $11,366), Keefer (53-60-1, $7,727), Brewer (52-57-3, $5,555)
Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
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