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2017 NFL Bettor’s Guide: Wild Card “Wouldn’t it be Nice” edition

By Roger Cohen

Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) makes a diving throw for a completion as Cleveland Browns defensive end Carl Nassib (94) defends during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) makes a diving throw for a completion as Cleveland Browns defensive end Carl Nassib (94) defends during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns are finally done this season, meaning the playoffs are here. Our NFL Bettor’s Guide has you covered for Wild Card weekend.

Like so many other Cleveland Browns fans, this Wild Card weekend has me humming that Beach Boys classic “Wouldn’t it be nice…”

Of course, it would also be nice, maybe awesome, if Cleveland played a meaningful game in December, or November – or this past season even in September.

Instead, Browns fans will have to settle for watching mediocre teams (Dolphins, Texans, Raiders) featuring Cleveland-worthy quarterbacks (Matt Moore, Brock Osweiler, and even Walsh Jesuit alum Connor Cook). While it’s hardly “must see TV”, we will watch — just be careful betting because with all the injured quarterbacks, wagering the 2017 Wild Card games is only slightly less symptomatic of compulsive gambling than betting preseason or meaningless Week 17 games.

But if you must bet, here’s my guidance on this week’s card — in TV schedule order as well as if “it were my money” ranking from “least confident” to “this week’s lock”.

  • Houston -4 vs. Oakland — I have zero faith in the Texans to score more than 10, but sub-zero confidence in the Connor Cook-led Raiders to avoid the shutout.
  • Lions +7.5 @ Seattle — Plucky Matt Stafford will find a way to a back-door cover.
  • Fins + 10 @ Steelers — Last week, RG3 and the 1-15 Browns could have easily put up 40 against the Yinzer “D”.  Miami beat Pittsburgh earlier this year and will stay within 10 of Steelers who may be looking ahead to upsetting Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
  • NYG + 4 @ GB — Eli foils Aaron…again. I’m smelling another three-peat Giants over Pats Super Bowl.

Next: Anthony Fabiano intrigues at center

Last week 1-2; Regular Season Record 34-32-3.

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