Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15). Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 15: Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns betting picks, preview

By Griffin Carroll | Last updated 12/15/23

You might not think so at first glance, but there's betting value to be had in this Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns game on Sunday.

Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns: Betting Odds

Spread: Cleveland -3, Over/under: 38 points, Chicago +140 | Cleveland -166

Chicago has been coming on strong over the last month, winners of three of its past four games. A big reason why has been the Bears' defense, dominant against the run. That might come in handy here against a Cleveland team that tends to start its offensive gameplan around the run game.

The Bears are 5-8, and Justin Fields has been making plays since his return from injury.

Cleveland has been forced to turn to Joe Flacco at QB due to injuries, and he's actually looked solid at a spry 38-years-young. The Browns are 8-5, standing alone as the fifth seed in the AFC with a slew of 7-6 teams beneath them.

Cleveland's calling card has been its defense, but that unit has suffered a few injuries this week.

The Bears are 6-5-2 ATS this season and 7-6 to the over. The Browns are 8-5 ATS and 7-5-1 to the over.

Betting Picks for Chicago vs. Cleveland

Chicago +3

The injuries to Cleveland's defense are making us lean Chicago's way. The Browns were forced to place safety Grant Delpit on IR, and they also lost defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo to a pectoral injury. Those are valuable pieces for one of the NFL's best defenses.

Injuries have just been the story of the season for the Browns, and while Joe Flacco has looked good, this Chicago defense has quietly been elite the last few weeks.

We love the Bears here, especially with Justin Fields very much still auditioning for his NFL future. As crazy as it is, Chicago is in the playoff hunt right now. If they win this week and a few NFC teams like the Rams, Packers and Saints lose, we're suddenly talking about the Bears as a viable postseason team.

We're liking them here to keep this one close at minimum.

Follow Griffin Carroll at griffybets.substack.com for data, trends and targets for every NFL game, plus all the off-season news you can use.

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