Cleveland Browns vs. New Orleans Saints, 9/14/18 Predictions & Preview

Browns vs. Saints Total Prediction

One week after surrendering 48 points and over 500 yards to the Bucs, will the Saints allow the Browns to come into New Orleans and pull off a similar feat? The two teams will meet at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Game Snapshot

277 Cleveland Browns at 278 New Orleans Saints

1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, September 16

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA

Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetNow.eu, the Saints are 9-point favorites to beat the Browns. The total, meanwhile, sits at 49 points. As of this writing, 51% of the public betting tickets are on the Saints to cover the point spread.

Cleveland Browns

Browns coach Hue Jackson said Josh Gordon will get more targets Week 2 against the Saints. Gordon played 69-of-89 snaps Week 1, but he was only targeted three times -- a fourth target was negated by a penalty. "When he’s going like we know he can, he has an opportunity to make plays," Jackson said. "We’ve got to give him opportunities, and I think we’ll do that." Likely to see more targets against a Saints defense which was baptized by Ryan Fitzpatrick in the opener, Gordon has the look of an upside WR2.

New Orleans Saints

Michael Thomas (illness) returned to a full practice on Thursday. Thomas was sick yesterday but his illness was never a long-term concern. Fresh off a monster game in Week 1 (16 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown), Thomas will be ready to roll Sunday against Cleveland. He's RotoPat's No. 4 wide receiver for Week 2.

NFL Betting Trends

Cleveland

The over is 11-4 in the Browns’ last 15 road games.

New Orleans

The over is 4-0 in the Saints’ last four games overall.

Prediction

The Saints did a lot of damage against Tampa Bay’s defense a week ago and should have similar success versus Cleveland, which allowed 5.9 yards per play at home to the Steelers last week. Sloppy conditions kept the scoring in check but weather won’t be a problem on Sunday in New Orleans. The Saints, meanwhile, allowed 8.5 yards per play in a dismal defensive performance. While they should improve, it’s unlikely that the Saints pitch a shutout on Sunday. The over is in play here.

 

NFL Week 2 Prediction: Browns/Saints over 49