The second week of the preseason kicks off Thursday night as the Cleveland Browns visit Lincoln Financial Field as 3.5-point road dogs vs. the Philadelphia Eagles with a total of 37.5.
With sharp money moving the Eagles’ spread across the -3 to -3.5, is there still room to back the Eagles at home despite the regular starters likely watching from the sidelines?
Find out in my NFL preseason best bets for Browns vs. Eagles on Thursday, August 17.
Browns vs Eagles odds
Browns vs Eagles predictions
Sharp betting syndicates released the Eagles -2.5 and moved that line through the 3 to -3.5. That was on the backs of the Eagles having the much better defense and being much deeper on the defensive line.
They were also higher on the Philadelphia quarterback rotation of Marcus Mariota, rookie Tanner McKee, and former Saints backup Ian Book vs. Cleveland’s projected rotation of Joshua Dobbs, Kellen Mond, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Neither team is projected to play any key starters and if we do see Deshaun Watson and the ones, it will likely be for a single series as both these teams got plenty of reps vs. each other in joint practices this week.
The Eagles defense dominated these practices and is one of the deeper units in all of football — especially on the line and in the secondary. There has been a lot written that Cleveland playing its third preseason game compared to Philadelphia’s second is an edge for the visitors but that’s subjective at best.
Another hot talking point is the skill set of Thompson-Robinson, who has flashed big-play abilities. However, he has yet to see any first-half snaps. The backup QB job is also wide open meaning Dobbs and Mond could see extended work in the third warm-up game.
Expect Mariota to play the first half as that was the blueprint from Nick Sirianni last year with Gardner Minshew. Mariota is a strong preseason QB to back, especially with some solid RBs who can be trusted with the ball, including Rashaad Penny and D’Andre Swift. Despite losing 20-19 vs. the Ravens last week, the Eagles offense ran 73 plays and dominated the time of possession 35:22 to 24:38.
If I can get a first-half line of -3 or better on the Eagles, that’s where my first choice would be as there is a lot more to like about Mariota than Dobbs or Mond. The DTR hype might be loud considering his opponents and especially against this deep Philly defensive roster. With Cleveland kicker Cam York also struggling (0-for-2 on field goals in the preseason) I’m laying the points Thursday night with the limited markets.
My best bet: Eagles -3.5 (-102 at Pinnacle)
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