Week 2 of the NFL preseason kicks off with the Cleveland Browns vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams are coming off close losses last week, losing by a combined three points between the two of them. We break down the matchup with the betting odds and give you a pick on how we think this game will play out.
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Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) Picks
Soppe: Give me the Browns, and I don’t even want the points!
The reigning NFC champions have nothing to prove and have a decent roster drop-off when moving down the depth chart, the worst possible combination in a spot like this.
On the flip side, Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a man on a mission. That’s what you want in August, isn’t it? The 140th pick in April is doing (17 of 21 for 184 yards with two TDs and 47 rushing yards) what we wanted the fourth overall pick to do.
I like what DTR offers as far as a well-rounded skill set, and the basketball build of this WR room simply makes the preseason version of this Cleveland offense one that carries potential. The fact that this team is making it more of a priority to evaluate DTR than to get Deshaun Watson live reps is interesting. Nevertheless, it gives the rookie every reason to play to win this game.
The Browns have had one extra preseason game to determine what it is that they need to get out of this game (before next week’s roster tryout for everyone on the bubble), and I expect them to be the more prepared/motivated of the teams on the field.
Browns vs. Eagles Pick and Prediction: Browns ML +154 … I’ll even give you a score: 24-19!
Cleveland Browns Roster and Injury Report
Starting right tackle Jack Conklin is in the league’s concussion protocol, so don’t expect him to suit up tonight, though he probably wasn’t going to play regardless. DE Myles Garrett (foot) and WR Elijah Moore (ribs) each returned to practice on Tuesday after missing Monday due to injury. CB Denzel Ward left practice Monday with a heat-related illness but returned on Tuesday as well.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed to reporters that the Browns will use their starters for the joint practices with the Eagles, but they won’t be suiting up in game action until the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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Rookie Thompson-Robinson, who has had a great preseason so far through two games, will be starting at quarterback for Cleveland. He will be splitting reps with Kellen Mond at quarterback, competing for the third spot on the depth chart behind Deshaun Watson and Joshua Dobbs.
Bet on the Browns’ win total by clicking on the widget below!
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Philadelphia Eagles Roster and Injury Report
LB Shaun Bradley was placed on injured reserve earlier this week with an Achilles injury. OG Landon Dickerson (foot) and LB Haason Reddick (thumb) each sat out of practice earlier this week with injuries.
Head coach Nick Sirianni hasn’t confirmed whether the starters will be playing tonight, but the speculation is that we will primarily be seeing the Eagles’ backups vs. the Browns. That was the case in Week 2 of the preseason a year ago, also against Cleveland.
After getting snaps last week, it will be curious to see if running backs D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny continue to get playing time in the preseason tonight. Swift and Penny receiving touches with the second and third-team offenses last week raised questions as to whether that means third-year RB Kenneth Gainwell will be the starter.
Yet, that was quickly dismissed, as Sirianni figured it would help them get further acclimated with the offensive scheme.
At quarterback, expect to see rookie Tanner McKee get the majority of the snaps again. A sixth-round pick out of Stanford, McKee had a solid performance against the Baltimore Ravens last week, going 10 of 20 for 148 yards.
Ian Book, the former Notre Dame quarterback, will get playing time as well, hoping to bounce back after throwing for just 11 passing yards on four attempts.
Bet on the Eagles’ win total by clicking on the widget below!
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