NFL WEEK 7
GREG COTE’S THURSDAY PICK
BRONCOS (3-3) at BROWNS (3-3)
Line: CLE by 3.
Cote’s pick: CLE 23-17.
TV: 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Fox/NFL.
Denver on a three-game skid and Cleveland after two straight losses present to Dawg Pound patrons and America a desperate pairing for the Week 7 kickoff on Thursday’s prime-time stage. The short week is especially ill-timed for Browns’ injury-ravaged offense. That includes OK-journeyman QB Case Keenum, on his sixth team, making his first start since 2019 in place of Baker Mayfield (shoulder), who’ll miss his first game after 53 straight starts to begin his NFL career. (Broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater also has issues with a foot injury but figures to play). We accurately called the Eagles covering vs. Tampa Bay last Thursday, but this pick is murkier. An upset should be in play, with all of Cleveland’s injuries — including RBs Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb both out — and with Denver on an 8-1 run in series and 11-3 run on TNF. Should be. Except Denver doesn’t score a ton, and its once-reliable defense has been whipped for 84 points over past three losses. Lifted by home crowd, Keenum, who’s had 63 career starts including all 16 with the Broncos in 2018, will do enough to beat his former team.
[Note: Betting line courtesy Caesars Sportsbook as of midday Wednesday.]
