Browns vs Eagles Odds, Pick, Prediction | NFL Preseason (August 17)

Browns vs Eagles Odds, Pick, Prediction | NFL Preseason (August 17) article feature image
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Getty Images. Pictured: Dorian Thompson-Robinson (left) and Ian Book (right).

Browns vs Eagles Odds

Thursday, Aug. 17
7:30 p.m. ET
NFL Network
Browns Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+3.5
-110
35.5
-110o / -110u
+155
Eagles Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-3.5
-110
35.5
-110o / -110u
-175
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.

We have plenty of NFL preseason action on the docket, and Week 2 starts with us breaking down the Browns vs. Eagles odds on Thursday night.

For some people the preseason is a chore. For some, it's a nerve-wracking experience hoping players don’t get injured. But for those in the gambling community, it’s an opportunity. There's no love lost between these teams after this week's joint practices, after which Browns guard Joel Bitonio accused the Eagles of taking "cheap shots" at Deshaun Watson.

Let's break down both sides and make a Browns vs. Eagles pick for a game that could be spicier than the average preseason encounter.


Browns vs. Eagles

Matchup Analysis

While the Eagles defense didn't take it easy on Watson, the Browns' starting quarterback won't be playing in this game. The real story is the Browns' backup quarterback situation, which will take center stage in this game.

Weeks ago, when Josh Dobbs was rested in the Hall of Fame game, it looked like he'd be QB2. However, Kellen Mond and Dorian Thompson-Robinson have performed well enough that there appears to be a real battle to back up Watson this season. This battle has only intensified with Dobbs having a poor game last time out.

Thompson-Robinson, a 2023 fifth-round pick out of UCLA, is going to start this game for Cleveland. DTR has gone 17-of-21 for 184 passing yards and two touchdowns in the preseason, along with nine carries for 47 yards.

Cleveland has concerns at running back with Jerome Ford, the likely backup to Nick Chubb, injuring his hamstring. That means Demetric Felton and John Kelly Jr. are positioned to get the majority of carries on Thursday.


Bet Cleveland vs. Philadelphia at FanDuel

Browns +4

Eagles -4


There are no doubts in Philly's quarterback room. Jalen Hurts is the starter and behind him is Marcus Mariota, who is mobile like Hurts, making him an ideal plug-and-play option if forced into action, albeit a significant downgrade. Mariota saw action in Week 1 of the preseason, going 7-for-11 for 58 passing yards and rushing for 29 yards.

Philadelphia mostly ran the ball with rookie Tanner McKee under center. The Stanford product completed 10-of-20 passes for 148 yards. While we didn't see much of Ian Book — 1-of-4 for 11 yards — I'd imagine we get more of him against the Browns.

While the Eagles' quarterback depth chart appears set in stone, the running back position is quite interesting. D'Andre Swift got two carries and ripped off 24 yards, which was more production than Trey Sermon could muster on nine rushes, though he did score a touchdown. Veteran Rashaad Penny also had nine carries.

It'll be interesting to see if Kenneth Gainwell makes an appearance. Some have suggested his absence could mean he's the starter, but I struggle to see that being the case.

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Browns vs. Eagles

Betting Picks & Predictions

The line has moved since opening with the Browns shifting from +2 to +3.5, then to +4 on Thursday afternoon. I'm happy to take those points with Cleveland.

Kevin Stefanski has a solid preseason record of 5-3 during his tenure as Browns head coach. What gives Cleveland even more of an edge in this game is the play of Thompson-Robinson and Mond. The duo has proven more capable in its two preseason games than Mariota and the rest of the Eagles' QB corps.

There's also the potential reward of being the Browns' backup quarterback that is on the line. I have the utmost confidence in Cleveland because of the competition and the quarterbacks' strong performances so far this month.

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