Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17). Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 13: Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Rams, betting picks, preview

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 12/2/23

These are a couple of teams that are hard to forecast from week to week. For Cleveland, the defense has been among the best in the league but their quarterback play has been all over the map, for every reason too (not just injuries). In Los Angeles, there are still several players from recent title team on the roster, but none of those is still at their peak.

Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Rams Betting Trends and Odds

Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 — 4:25 p.m. ET
Odds: Los Angeles -4, Over/under 40.5, Cleveland +164 | Los Angeles -198

Both of these teams can be frustrating. The main thing to lean into might be that the market has been mostly right when saying that the Rams are the better team (or in the better spot). They are 4-1 as a favorite this season (3-2 ATS). Cleveland is a very hard team to lean into because of the uncertainty of their offense. They have just 25 points combined over the last two weeks.

Picks for Cleveland vs. Los Angeles

Los Angeles -4; Puka Nacua Anytime TD (+195)

When a team is not able to compete at quarterback things get very ugly very quickly in the NFL and that is what might happen to Cleveland this week. The Browns could easily give up just 14 or 17 points and still not come close to covering this modest number. In that kind of game, having an experienced quarterback and a savvy coach can make a major difference. Los Angeles definitely has those advantages in this afternoon matchup. I can see the Rams dominating if things really go their way (and Cleveland falls apart) but mostly this season they have been coaching up to get their wins. They can do so again, especially at home against a team that is teetering right now.

Cleveland is a good defensive team and good defensive teams excel at taking away first options. That is why I think Nacua is a nice value to get into the end zone on Sunday. He won't command as much attention as Cooper Kupp or even Tyler Higbee. He only has three touchdowns on the season but that is why the payoff is what it is.

The Browns are getting a lot of bets but more money has come in on L.A. so far. That means we are unlikely to get a better number than we have right now. There is no reason to wait unless you like the Brownies.

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