Cleveland Browns vs. Green Bay Packers NFL on Christmas Day Bet Preview

The Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers will face off on Saturday in the first of two NFL Christmas Day matchups. Cleveland is still in the playoff hunt in the AFC but is running out of time to get to where they need to be in the standings.

Green Bay, meanwhile, has already clinched the NFC North and comes into this contest as a 7.5-point favorite as they look to get closer to a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns suffered a disappointing loss on Monday, falling at home to the Las Vegas Raiders to drop to 7-7 on the season. Cleveland didn’t have its starting quarterback in Baker Mayfield for that game due to his landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list, with Cleveland being forced to start Nick Mullens in his place. This week, Mayfield should be back in action, as the Browns look to get much better production from its offense.

Over their last five games, the Browns have failed to score 24 points in a game. Four of those five games saw the Browns have Mayfield as their quarterback, which should be concerning as the Browns need to make up a one-game deficit in the AFC North with three games to go. And when facing a Packers team led by Aaron Rodgers, a lackluster offensive showing just won’t be good enough.

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers won their third straight game last week, beating the Baltimore Ravens in a 31-30 thriller. Green Bay was nearly beaten by Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, with the Packers needing to stop a late two-point conversion to prevent losing to the undermanned Ravens. This week, the Packers return home for a game that could move them one step closer to the top seed in the NFC.

Green Bay has won three straight games, but there have been some concerns about their defense over that time period. The Packers have allowed 28 points or more in each of their last three outings against the Rams, Bears, and Ravens. While the Browns have struggled offensively lately, the Packers could help them get back on track if Green Bay doesn’t lock in defensively.

Keys To The Game

Cleveland’s top key to this game is the performance of Baker Mayfield and their offense. Cleveland’s bread and butter on offense is running the football. But if Mayfield can’t deliver in obvious passing situations, the Browns could be faced with punting the ball time and time again to one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL.

Green Bay’s number one key to this game is whether or not they can find some consistent success with their secondary. Mayfield is having a rough season, but the Packers have allowed Tyler Huntley, Matt Stafford, and Justin Fields have glimpses of success against them lately. If the Packers can’t do a better job in the defensive backfield in this game, they could run the risk of giving away a golden opportunity to move closer to their ultimate goal of getting their bye.