(Getty)
The Giants want to avoid being “That Team.”
The Browns are still looking for their first win of the season, and they’re running out of chances. This week they draw the Giants, winners of five straight and seven-point favorites according to OddsShark.com.
Cody Kessler suffered a concussion during Cleveland’s latest defeat, so Josh McCown will be under center for the Browns. McCown was the preferred starter over Kessler at the start of the season, but the veteran QB has committed eight turnovers in his last 11 quarters of football.
Cleveland’s flaws are obvious, and most of the wagers from this game will likely be on the Giants. So let’s look at how they can screw this up.
The Giants offense is one-dimensional. Eli Manning is running almost entirely out of three-receiver packages, and the offense has leaned heavily on short passes in lieu of rushing yards. Justin Pugh’s setback has the Giants without multiple starting offensive lineman, putting even more pressure on Eli to release the ball quickly.
On defense, the Browns will need to limit their turnovers. The Giants may have won five straight, but every game during the streak has been decided by seven points or less. With the margin for error so small, McCown should look to avoid Giants safety Landon Collins, who has an interception in four straight games.
Just because it can happen, doesn’t mean it will happen. The Giants pass rush will overwhelm Josh McCown, and the Browns will fall to 0-12.
Heavy’s Pick: Giants 29 Browns 17. Giants -7. Over on the Point Total. (45)