Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cleveland Browns, 8/23/18 Predictions & Odds

Eagles vs. Browns NFL Preseason Pick

The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have gotten off to a slow start this preseason, dropping their first two exhibition games. Will they get in the win column on Thursday night when they visit the Cleveland Browns at 8:00 p.m. ET?

Game Snapshot

251 Philadelphia Eagles at 252 Cleveland Browns

8:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, August 23, 2018

FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH

Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetNow.eu, the Browns are 3-point favorites to beat the Eagles. The total, meanwhile, sits at 41.5 points. As of this writing, 65% of the public betting tickets are on the Eagles to cover the point spread.

Philadelphia Eagles

Coach Doug Pederson said Nick Foles (shoulder) will play "about a half" during Thursday's preseason game versus the Browns. Foles exited last week's game early with a strained shoulder but will suit up with the starters Thursday for an entire half. LT Jason Peters and RB Darren Sproles have officially been ruled out. With Jay Ajayi nursing a lower-body injury, Wendell Smallwood, and Matt Jones are expected to be the only active running backs against the Browns. Either way, this is terrific news for Foles as he appears ready to go for Week 1 if Carson Wentz (knee) is held out.

Cleveland Browns

Browns coach Hue Jackson said Josh Gordon will resume practicing "very soon." Gordon has been working off to the side since his arrival at Browns training camp last weekend but could be cleared to practice as soon as Saturday. Obviously, he won't partake in Thursday night's preseason game against the Eagles. Jackson reiterated Tuesday that the plan is to have Gordon "up and running" for Week 1 against Pittsburgh. "He's definitely excited to be back," said teammate Tyrod Taylor. "He's ready to get back on the field and we're ready to see him back out there."

NFL Betting Trends

Philadelphia

The Eagles are 12-4 against the spread in their last 16 games overall and are 5-2 against the number in their last seven road games.

Cleveland

The Browns are 15-35-1 against the number in their last 51 games overall and are just 7-21 against the spread in their last 28 home games.

Prediction

With 58% of the betting tickets currently on the over but 74% of the money wagered on this game on the under, the value is in the under 41.5. In fact, the number opened at 42.5 but was bet down to 41.5 so it stands to reason that there’s at least some sharp action on the under.

 

NFL Preseason Prediction: Eagles/Browns under 41.5