The San Francisco 49ers (8-4) and Cleveland Browns (3-8) meet in Week 13 on Sunday, Nov. 30. Kickoff is set for in 1:00 p.m. ET from Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The game will broadcast on CBS.
The 49ers are 5-point favorites over the Browns on the spread (49ers -5), with the over/under set at 35 points. The 49ers are -240 moneyline favorites and the Browns are +205 home underdogs.
Let's get into my Week 13 preview and 49ers vs Browns prediction for today's game..
49ers vs Browns Prediction
- 49ers vs Browns pick: Browns +5
My 49ers vs Browns best bet is on the Browns to cover the spread. Find the best odds by checking our live NFL odds page.
49ers vs Browns Odds
| 49ers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5 -110 | 35 -110o / -110u | -240 |
| Browns Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5 -110 | 35 -110o / -110u | +205 |
49ers vs Browns Week 13 Preview
The Browns defense has been incredible on their home field this season, and they should present a very difficult test for the 49ers.
Only one Cleveland opponent has scored more than 17 points against them at home this year. This defensive unit has posted a 14% sack rate at home, but it has also shown the ability to stop the run, which will be key in this game for several reasons.
The weather could play a factor in limiting each team’s passing attack, which means the inefficiency of Christian McCaffrey could consistently put the 49ers behind the sticks when trying to sustain drives.
McCaffrey is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry and has a 2.8% explosive rush rate. For context, only four running backs with 100 or more carries rush for 15+ yards less often than does CMC.
Cleveland's front seven has been dominant against the run, ranking first in the NFL in adjusted line yards per rush. The Browns stop rushes at or behind the line of scrimmage at a rate of 26%, which is also the best mark in the league.
If the 49ers’ ground game isn't moving the chains, that will force Brock Purdy into long third down and distance situations. San Francisco will not be able to sustain drives if it has to rely consistently on Purdy to move the chains on third-and-long situations.
Since returning from his turf toe injury in week 11, Purdy has not quite been back to his previous form. He has just one big-time throw and five turnover-worthy passes over the Niners’ last two games.
It’s also worth noting Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has had quite a bit of success against Kyle Shanahan historically, including a game in 2023 in Cleveland where Purdy completed just 44% of his passes for 4.6 yards per pass attempt.
The team struggling to win at the line of scrimmage defensively is the 49ers. This defense is 25th in adjusted line yards per rush, which matches their rush defense success rate ranking of 24th. Furthermore, the Niners are last in the NFL in sack rate and rank 31st in generating pressure on the passer.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders hasn’t been overly impressive, but his struggles against pressure won’t be much of an issue against the non-existent pass rush of the 49ers. Even without the aid of a running game a week ago in Las Vegas, the Browns still produced 5.6 yards per play, up from their season average of 4.2 yards per play.
Sanders averaged 10.4 air yards per pass attempt and created two explosive plays out of the designed structure. His aggressive nature and willingness to push the ball downfield match up well with a 49ers defense ranking 27th in adjusted net yards per attempt and allowing a completion percentage of 69.4% (the league’s fourth-highest mark).
Even if the Browns are not scoring points, a big play by the offense can flip the field and put their defense in a position to force the 49ers to drive the length of the field.
49ers vs Browns Prediction, Betting Analysis
The 49ers will be coming off a short week, having played on Monday night.
Brock Purdy has not settled into the offense since his return, and his 7.7% turnover-worthy throw rate is worrisome if you are looking to back the 49ers.
I will happily take the points with the better defense, in what I expect to be an ugly game in less-than-ideal weather. I’d play this at any number better than +4.
Pick: Browns +5; bet to +4
Spread
My pick for this game is the Browns to cover the spread.
Moneyline
I have no play on the moenyline.
Over/Under
I have no bet for the game total.
