Let’s go! — we went 3-1 on preseason picks last weekend, which brings us to 4-1 including the Hall of Fame Game. Every week, I’ll post my top picks on Monday and provide an update before each game — you can check out all of my NFL preseason Week 2 picks here. Let’s dig into today’s Browns-Eagles odds as we make our predictions and pick the best NFL preseason bet!
Looking for more 2023 NFL predictions? OddsShopper’s experts are here to break down the upcoming NFL season — make sure to check out the rest of our NFL articles, including our NFC East and AFC North previews. Come back during the NFL season for our market-based betting model’s picks and best bets — or try it out for Week 1 now! We also have you covered if you’re looking for the best Browns-Eagles promo codes, or genera info on the the Bet365 Sportsbook promo code.
Browns-Eagles Pick & Preseason Prediction
Browns-Eagles Betting Odds
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Browns: +145 | Eagles: -170
Browns +3.5: -115 | Eagles -3.5: -105
Over 37.5: -110 | Under 37.5: -110
Browns-Eagles Pick & Prediction
Even though the line has moved against the Browns-Eagles pick I published in the early week column, I’ve still got plenty of faith in Cleveland. The headlines out of the joint Browns-Eagles practices sound concerning for Deshaun Watson, as he has apparently thrown several interceptions to Philadelphia’s first-team offense, which has probably helped the number move in the Eagles’ favor. My take? Who cares. We already know that Watson isn’t playing in this game, and there’s a decent chance that the defenders picking him off won’t play much, if at all.
We’ve gotten to see the Cleveland Browns in action twice this preseason, and my first impression is that there might be a controversy surrounding who backs up Watson. The current backup, Josh Dobbs, was trusted enough to not see action in the Hall of Fame Game, but he struggled in Week 1. He completed only 50% of his passes and recorded only 3.8 net yards per attempt (NY/A). Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who was the fourth option in the Hall of Fame Game, entered before Kellen Mond in Week 1. He completed 90% of his throws for 10.2 NY/A.
Want to learn more about Dorian Thompson-Robinson? Check out our players to watch column for Week 2 of the preseason!
The Philadelphia Eagles do not have an ongoing quarterback controversy. The backup is clearly Marcus Mariota, who was serviceable in Week 1. The reserves, Tanner McKee and Ian Book, neither impressed nor have a legitimate shot at earning the backup job. McKee completed 50% of his throws for 6.8 NY/A while Book completed just 25% of his throws for -2 NY/A and primarily worked as a rusher. Mariota’s job security isn’t in serious question; the question is purely which of two unimpressive options will serve as the third-string emergency quarterback.
The Browns also have a number of wide receivers with something to prove. Several former Day 2 picks, including rookie Cedric Tillman, Jets castoff Elijah Moore, David Bell and Anthony Schwartz — along with veterans Marquise Goodwin and Jakeem Grant — have to make some plays to secure their spot in a receiving room that already features two clear-cut top options in Donovan Peoples-Jones and Amari Cooper.
Because Cleveland’s offensive reserves have so much to prove, especially when compared to what Philadelphia’s reserves have to do to keep their jobs, it’s hard to foresee head coach Kevin Stefanski not featuring his second unit for a considerable chunk of Week 2. Cleveland’s offense has looked above average on offense in the preseason, averaging 366.5 yards per game and 5.4 yards per play, but missed field goals, turnovers and failed fourth-down conversions — in short, variance — have kept them from rolling their opponents. Let’s trust Cleveland as a road underdog in this one.
New to FanDuel? If you sign up now, you’ll get access to Dinger Tuesday and can get $100 in bonus bets by placing a $5 wager!
Browns-Eagles Preseason Betting Pick: Cleveland Moneyline +145 at FanDuel
