Case Keenum is a good backup quarterback. A healthy Keenum is better than an injured Baker Mayfield, which is what the Browns have been getting the last few weeks. I'm not concerned with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt being out; as they've proven, multiple running backs can have success running behind this offensive line. Browns cover.

Well, this one was agonizing. We all know about the mega-Cleveland injuries, but I'm not sure Case Keenum is that much of a downgrade from Baker Mayfield right now. Keenum certainly knows Kevin Stefanski's system inside and out. The NFL is littered with third-string running backs who shine when they get the chance -- look at Khalil Herbert with the Bears last week. Keenum will have Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr. and blind-side protector Jedrick Wills available. I'm clearly trying to talk myself into this, but I'm just not very high on Denver or banged-up Teddy Bridgewater. Also favor the Cleveland defense (healthy) and, well, simply being at home.

This line has come down through the key number of 3 with the news that Case Keenum will start. But I'd rather have Keenum, a capable backup who broke out in Minnesota with Kevin Stefanski as his QB coach, than Baker Mayfield at far less than 100%. And don't forget that the Broncos are also dealing with an injured quarterback, though it appears Teddy Bridgewater will play through a foot issue. While the Browns are down several key players on offense, I expect their defense to carry the day against a Denver team that clearly isn't as good as a 3-0 start against a super-soft schedule made them seem. Back the better coach at home laying less than a FG, even without Mayfield.

OK, then, no Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt for the Browns (maybe no Odell Beckham Jr. either) against a pretty solid Denver defense. And the Broncos aren't exactly lighting it up offensively under Teddy Bridgewater, either. It also will be quite windy in Cleveland on Thursday. Have to lean Under even that small total now and then recalibrate while thinking about a possible spread pick.

This isn't a game to really be excited for either team on a short week. The Broncos have given up 28.0 PPG over its last three weeks and are 0-3 ATS. Not much prettier for the Browns either, back-to-back losses and both opponents put up 37+ points. Gonna ride Teddy Bridgewater and the healthier team here, Bridge is 23-4 ATS on the road in his career and not only is Baker Mayfield injured, but essentially his entire backfield is too. Denver +3.5 with the hook sealed the deal honestly, but don't expect a pretty TNF game.

Cleveland could not have picked a worse time for a Thursday night game. Following its loss to Arizona on Sunday, a staggering 20 players were listed on the team's injury report. Most critically, RB Kareem Hunt (calf) is out and, if Nick Chubb - who missed Week 6 with a calf injury - can't return, the Browns’ ground game will be starved. The Broncos may have lost three in a row, but their defense is rugged enough to curtail Cleveland’s scoring and maintain a close score.

The Browns are coming into this game against the Broncos off of a bad loss to the Cardinals and they are banged up as well. We don't know the status of Nick Chubb yet, but Kareem Hunt won't be playing after suffering an injury on Sunday. Moreover, QB Baker Mayfield banged up his non-throwing shoulder as well. This will be a limited offensive attack against one of the more aggressive defenses in the AFC. While the Broncos have also been inconsistent, they should have enough to cover the number Thursday.