Browns vs. Commanders: Prediction and odds for Week 17

The Cleveland Browns have just two road games left on the year as they head to the Nation’s Capital in Week 17 to face the Washington Commanders

Playoff hopes seemed to die out when the Cleveland Browns lost to the Cincinnati Bengals but they were still technically alive — until this past weekend.

A loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 16 officially ended Cleveland’s chances at the postseason with two games to play. Each of those contests will be on the road, starting with a trip to Landover, Maryland to take on the Washington Commanders.

Washington enters the weekend with a 7-7-1 record (3-4 at home) and in last place in the NFC East. Even so, they’re in the middle of the playoff race but trying to end an 0-2-1 skid over the past three games.

Cleveland knows they’re done but can play spoiler to a franchise that’s in must-win mode.

Let’s dive into this game by looking at the odds and following that up with a prediction.

Browns vs. Commanders Odds Week 17

Cleveland enters as an underdog with Washington favored by 1.5 points. The Moneyline stands at -134 for the Commanders while Cleveland is sitting at +114. With an over/under of 40.5, the oddsmakers seem to think more points will be scored this weekend than the Browns 17-10 loss, but maybe not a lot more.

Browns vs. Commanders Prediction Week 17

We should have entered this season with some cautious optimism. Yes, Cleveland made some good moves but Deshaun Watson being suspended for 11 games hurt. We also knew when he returned, he would be rusty.

Despite all of this, the Browns are 6-9 and had six of their losses come in one-score games. Still, fans are ready to call for Kevin Stefanski’s head — which they shouldn’t. He was never going to be judged on this season — that was decided as soon as they traded for a quarterback set for a lengthy suspension/

The good news is, Watson has been showing improvements. And had Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, or David Njoku not all dropped touchdown passes, the tone around this team would be wildly different heading into this game.

With warmer weather expected this weekend, look for Watson to continue to make plays. If his teammates — who seem to always get a free pass when they don’t come through — can hold onto the ball, they could dash the Commanders’ postseason hopes.

Prediction: Browns 23, Commanders 19

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.