San Francisco was a 26-20 OT winner at Chicago last week. Cleveland lost their 7th-straight game last Sunday, a 37-3 drubbing by instate rival Cincinnati.
The 49ers rank last in scoring and total offense but QB Blaine Gabbert has given them a spark. Yes, that Blaine Gabbert who flamed out in Jacksonville. Last week he threw for 196 yards and ran for another 75. He also threw a TD pass and had a rushing TD also. He faces a defense this week that simply can’t stop the run and that means former Browns RB Shawn Draughn should get plenty of carries. San Fran averages only 99 yards per game on the ground but Cleveland allows 135 ypg. Gabbert has developed a rapport with veteran WR Anquan Boldin who used to play the Browns twice a year when he was a Raven. He has 26 more catches than any of his teammates and will be the focus again this week. WR Torrey Smith, another former Raven, has played better since Gabbert took control of the offense. With CB Joe Haden out, Gabbert should have a decent day.
The Browns need an offensive spark bad, hence the insertion of QB Johnny Manziel into the starting lineup. This will be Manziel’s 4th start of the year and he has decent numbers (5-2 TD/INT, QB Rating of 88.4) but still hasn’t staked his claim on the starting position. As many as 4 of the Browns WRs could miss this game due to injury leaving TE Gary Barnidge as the obvious top target. He hasn’t disappointed and leads the team in receptions and TDs and should top 1,000 yards receiving this year. The 49ers would be wise to double him as he is clearly the top threat for the Browns, especially if WR Travis Benjamin (shoulder, check status) is out. Cleveland averages only 74 ypg on the ground so they can’t count on the running game to lead them out of their offensive doldrums (10 points or less in 4 of their last 6 games).
San Francisco 70% Over 62%
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