PRO FOOTBALL — January 3

JACKSONVILLE at CLEVELAND
(Browns -1.5, Total 36) — [private] The Jaguars have a very scant chance of making it to the playoffs, if a whole lot of stuff goes their way, but we don’t consider that an incentive with enough strength for our purposes. If you listen to some of the Cleveland players, this is their biggest game of the season. There would seem to be a lot of motivation here, not only for the players who want to stick around next season, but also for coach Eric Mangini, who may or may not be replaced by new football boss Mike Holmgren. After a rough start to his tenure, there is now talk that Mangini may be able to save his job, based on the team’s three-game winning streak. Indeed, the Browns have exceeded expectations, covering six straight games. Derek Anderson, the former Pro Bowler, did not accomplish much against Oakland last week. But Jerome Harrison (434 yards last two weeks) is stomping all around the field, and Josh Cribbs can be electrifying (269 yards and two TD’s on kick returns vs. Chiefs two weeks ago). Jacksonville gets no pressure on the passer (just 14 sacks) which should make it a little easier for Anderson.

THE PLAY: CLEVELAND -1.5 ****

(All information is for news matter only; All games are graded on a scale of 1-4 stars. Lines are subject to change)
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