NFL picks and predictions, Browns vs. Patriots 2013: New England the popular pick

The Browns are a heavy underdog this week and not many experts are picking Cleveland to pull the upset against the Patriots.

by Mark Sandritter

Dec 4, 2013, 4:05 PM UTC

Bob Levey

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At 9-3, the Patriots are in position to secure a first-round bye and possibly home-field advantage in the AFC. They'll need to keep winning if that's going to happen, and most NFL experts expect them to do just that this week against the Browns.

Even coming off a narrow three-point win against the 2-10 Texans, the Patriots opened as an 11.5-point favorite against Cleveland. The close win against Houston didn't deter any experts from picking the Patriots this week. All six of SB Nation's NFL experts predicted New England to win.

	Ryan Van Bibber	Joel Thorman	Jason Chilton	Stephen White	David Fucillo	Matt Ufford
Browns at Patriots	Patriots	Patriots	Patriots	Patriots	Patriots	Patriots

Although the Patriots have a few narrow wins against inferior teams, and a loss to the Jets, New England has been excellent at home. The Patriots are 6-0 at home, with comeback wins against New Orleans and Denver.

Expert picks: SB Nation's panel breaks down Week 14

SB Nation’s NFL experts weren’t the only ones in agreement. All eight NFL experts at CBS Sports also picked New England to win. Most don’t expect the game to be close either. Of the eight, only two picked the Browns to cover the point spread. John Breech was one of the two who picked the Browns to cover, and he predicted a 30-21 New England victory.