The Cleveland Browns haven't made the playoffs since 2002, but they're in the thick of the AFC race midway through the season. Cleveland stubbed its toe against the Jacksonville Jaguars two weeks ago but rallied to top the winless Oakland Raiders last Sunday, getting it back on track before playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Buccaneers vs. Browns 2014: How to watch, game time, TV schedule and more
Cleveland has playoff hopes, but has to beat the easier teams on its schedule to get there.
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Under first-year head coach Mike Pettine, the Browns have proven to be a scrappy group. The main issues holding Cleveland back are run defense and the lack of consistent quarterback play. The defense has been a sieve against the run, ranking 30th with 143.4 yards allowed per game. At quarterback, Brian Hoyer has taken good care of the ball with only a pair of interceptions, but is completing just 57.3 percent of his passes. On the plus side, receiver Andrew Hawkins and linebacker Karlos Dansby have proven excellent additions. Hawkins leads the team with 470 receiving yards while Dansby is pacing them in tackles (56) and second in sacks (3).
Tampa Bay was expected to contend for a playoff spot under new coach Lovie Smith, but that hasn't come to fruition. The Buccaneers are one of the worst teams in the league at 1-6 and appear resigned to another terrible season after dealing Mark Barron to the St. Louis Rams at Tuesday's trade deadline. Tampa Bay's offense is virtually nonexistent, checking in at 28th and 29th in passing and rushing yards per game, respectively. If the Buccaneers are going to make this a respectable campaign, this is the time. After playing Cleveland, Tampa Bay faces the Falcons, Washington and Bears.
How to Watch
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
When: 1 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Announcers: Thom Brennaman, David Diehl
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile | NFL Sunday Ticket
Odds
Cleveland is a seven-point favorite over the Buccaneers at home, with an over/under of 43.5, according to OddsShark.
Further Reading
For more on the Buccaneers, check out Bucs Nation.
To keep up on the Browns, head over to Dawgs By Nature.
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