For Browns-Jets, a tease if you please

Hockey sure did not treat us well so let's throw that away and move on to Week 17 in the NFL. Just as we all hoped, the last Thursday game of the season is a battle between Joe Flacco and Trevor Siemian. Siemian may be a bore for the Jets, but Flacco has hilariously been nothing short but a revelation for the Cleveland Browns. That guides our choice tonight.

Teasing the Browns tonight

Do note, Amari Cooper is looking like a game-time decision for Cleveland, which would certainly be a hit to its offense. However, looking at these two teams, the Browns are just better. Flacco has waltzed in and thrown for 300+ yards in three straight games.

Thanks to the NFL's best defense, a strong offensive line, and a solid batch of pass-catchers, we are starting to believe in the Browns. Not just tonight, no, but to maybe make a run in the playoffs. It sounds so crazy, but the AFC is wide open, and it can't be overstated how elite Cleveland's defense has been.

The Jets did win last week, but that was against the league's worst secondary. Siemian should have a much more difficult time tonight trying to get the ball down the field, allowing Cleveland the chance to focus on shutting down Breece Hall.

This game doesn't quite feel like the best opportunity for some props, as both defenses are quite strong and balanced. Instead, we'll turn to our old friend, the six-point teaser, to make this game more playable in Cleveland's favor.

Betting: Cleveland -1.5, Under 40.5 points (-125 DK)

In the news ...

Russell Wilson expecting to be cut this March, benched for Jarrett Stidham — It's safe to say that if they could go back, the Denver Broncos would like a do-over on the trade that brought Russell Wilson to town. On Wednesday, Sean Payton announced Wilson has been benched in favor of Jarrett Stidham, who Payton hopes can offer a spark for the 7-8 Broncos. Then, a report came out that Russell Wilson is fully expecting to be cut by Denver in March in a cap-saving move that will hamstring their budget in 2024 but set them free in 2025 and beyond. A short-lived stay for Wilson, no doubt. Check out some teams that might be interested in his services next season.

Julius Peppers & Antonio Gates headline NFL Hall of Fame finalists — The final voting stage for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2024 has been announced, and first-time candidates Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates are the headliners. It's safe to assume both will be voted in immediately after their illustrious careers. Some other noteworthy finalists include Dwight Freeney (second year of eligibility), Andre Johnson (third) and Torry Holt (10th).

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll, the guy who won $8K on a $20 NFL parlay. Follow him on Substack: griffybets.substack.com.