NFL Futures: The Cleveland Browns have wallowed in the misery of mediocrity for well over a decade and have not surpassed the five win total in the past five seasons. The one constant has been turnover and change and that is best illustrated with Jeff Chudzinski being fired after just one year on the job after a 4-12 season in 2013. But hope has definitely arrived with first round draft choice Johnny Manziel, the larger than life 2012 Heisman Trophy winning QB from Texas A&M. It is now Manziel’s opportunity to remake the franchise into a destination for top free agents, not to mention disgruntled fans. Cleveland was a 28/1 choice to win the AFC championship and was at 66/1 to win the Super Bowl. The Browns opened with an over under win total of 6.5 with -140 over and +110 under.
New Look Browns
Mike Pettine takes over as head coach and its likely Manziel will quickly move to the top of the depth chart as QB but there are few bona fide game breakers in the lineup. Pettine has called for better discipline and accountability. The defense could be a strength after ranking 9th overall last year.
Handicapper’s Notes
Cleveland has covered the spread in just five out of their last 14 games on the road with just seven out of their last 19 road games going over the total. The Browns have covered the spread in just three out of their last nine home games with just one out of their last six home games going under the total. The Browns have covered the spread in just five out of their last 13 games as a dog with just seven out of their last 18 games as a pup going over the total. Cleveland has come away with the money in just five out of their last 16 games as a favorite with just seven out of their last 11 games as a chalk going under the total.
Our Prognosis
Manziel has made a name for himself by proving the critics wrong and we believe that he will provide a much needed spark to a franchise that has grown stale. The AFC North is no longer loaded with power teams and Cleveland may be a surprise value in 2014.
