Why are the Browns double-digit favorites over the red-hot 49ers this week? Whether Cleveland wins or loses has nothing to do with whether they make the playoffs; it's totally dependent on the Titans' outcome. The Browns may have a playoff game in another 6 or 7 days. Why wouldn't they pull the starters early, rest all the banged-up players, etc., making it easy for San Fran to win and drop our draft pick to #9?
Put another way, the Browns have a bye this week! Why play all-out?
Put another way, the Browns have a bye this week! Why play all-out?