The game on December 2, 2024, between the Denver Broncos and the Cleveland Browns is shaping up to be an exciting one in Week 13 of the NFL. Kicking off at 8:15 PM ET at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, this matchup showcases two teams that have had very different seasons so far.
This game isn’t just about breaking records; it’s a big moment for both teams. Will the Broncos secure their playoff hopes with a strong win at home, or can the Browns take advantage of their recent boost in confidence to snag an unexpected victory?
Team Profiles
Denver Broncos (7-5)
The Broncos are heading into this matchup with a strong 7-5 record, making them serious players in the tough AFC West. With head coach Sean Payton, Denver has really stepped up, especially on the defensive side. They’re one of the best in the league, giving up only 202 yards per game, which is key to their success. Quarterback Bo Nix has been a standout this season, racking up 2,548 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and just 6 picks. Lately, he’s been on fire, throwing 8 touchdowns without a single interception in his last three games.
Cleveland Browns (3-8)
The Browns are having a tough season, sitting at 3-8 and at the bottom of the AFC North. They’re dealing with a rough transition after losing some key players, especially quarterback Deshaun Watson, who’s out for the year with an ACL injury. In his place, veteran quarterback Jameis Winston has stepped up, showing his skills in their recent win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he threw for 219 yards and helped secure a 24-19 victory. Even with the challenges, Winston’s leadership and his connection with rookie star Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah give fans a glimmer of hope for their upcoming game against Denver.
Key Matchups
Broncos Defense vs. Browns Offense
The Broncos’ defense is going to play a key role in this game. They’re at the top of the NFL when it comes to sacks and have been great at putting pressure on quarterbacks. This is especially important when facing Jameis Winston, who often throws picks when he’s feeling the heat. The battle between star defensive end Zach Allen and linebacker Alex Singleton will be essential as they try to throw off Cleveland’s offensive flow.
Nix vs. Browns Secondary
Bo Nix’s game management skills will be crucial on the other side. He’ll have to take advantage of any gaps in Cleveland’s secondary. The Browns are giving up more than 267 passing yards per game, so if Nix keeps playing like he has been, it could work in his favor.
Recent Performance
The Broncos just had a solid win over the Las Vegas Raiders, taking the game 29-19 and covering the spread as favorites. On the other side, Cleveland’s recent victory against Pittsburgh was a much-needed lift, but it also showed that they’re still dealing with some consistency issues this season.
Betting Odds
Right now, the Broncos are favored by 6 points, showing they’ve had a better season than the struggling Browns. The over/under for this game is at 42.5 points, suggesting it might be a low-scoring matchup due to both teams’ offensive issues.
Given Denver’s strong home-field advantage and their impressive performance this season:
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Denver Broncos 29 – Cleveland Browns 11
This score showcases Denver’s solid defense and Nix’s smart game management against a struggling Browns offense.
As the two teams gear up for this crucial game, fans are in for a showdown of different approaches—Denver’s solid defense going up against Cleveland’s offense that’s scrambling to get back on track. With playoff stakes getting higher for Denver, they’ll be aiming to get another win to boost their chances for the postseason, while Cleveland hopes to ride the wave of their recent victory.