It seems apropos that the Cleveland Browns have a game on the first day of the New Year, after another season of expected hope and expectations turned into another year of disappointment and again no postseason. Wait ‘til next year!
One thing is different this time, though. Ohio sportsbooks will be open for business for a Browns game for the first time in history.
Ohio sports betting apps go live at midnight on New Year’s Day.
Good luck trying to figure out this team.
Sizing Up Browns-Commanders
The Cleveland Browns (6-9) visit the Washington Commanders (7-7-1) in a battle of fourth-place teams, with one hanging on to playoff hopes (FOX, 1 p.m.).
As of Saturday night, FanDuel Ohio Sportsbook lists the Commanders as a 1.5-point and -130 moneyline favorite over the Browns, with Cleveland as a +110 moneyline underdog. The game’s over/under total points is 40.5.
If you choose to go with that operator, look out for any FanDuel Ohio promo
Washington, which has won three of its last four games against Cleveland, still can clinch a playoff berth this week with some help.
The Commanders need a win against the Browns, a Seattle Seahawks home loss to the New York Jets, a Detroit Lions home loss to the Chicago Bears and a Green Bay Packers home loss to the Minnesota Vikings. It’s that simple.
Washington will end its season at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Jan. 8.
Browns Looking to End on Positive Note
With two games left in the regular season, the Browns have been eliminated from the playoffs. The best coach Kevin Stefanski and the team can hope for is looking for some consistency in the offense run by Deshaun Watson.
A win next week to close out the season against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers would be nice, too.
Two Browns worth watching are Watson and running back Nick Chubb.
Watson is looking to gain as many reps as possible after his lengthy suspension and actually had his first TD run of the season last week.
In his only career start against Washington, in 2018, Watson passed for 208 yards while playing for the Houston Texans. He does have 1,307 passing yards (326.8 per game) in four career starts vs. NFC East teams.
In the four games he has started this season, Watson has completed 71 of 123 passes (57.7%) for 703 yards, two TDs and three interceptions.
Chubb, meanwhile, ranks in the top five in the NFL in two categories (third with 1,344 rushing yards and fourth with 12 rush TDs). With two games remaining, Chubb can join Browns Hall of Famer Jim Brown as the only players in franchise history with more than 1,500 rushing yards in a single season.
Brown, of course, did it in fewer games.
The Browns lead the all-time series against Washington, 34-12-1, highlighted by a 34-20 home victory in their last meeting on Sept. 27, 2020. The Commanders won their last meeting at home against Cleveland, 31-20, on Oct. 2, 2016.
As you get used to considering legal wagering in the state and seeking Ohio sportsbook promos, your best bet is at BetOhio.com.
