Simulation Picks
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Expert Picks
The early line in April had Philadelphia at -8, and by June it had dropped to -6. When they traded their starting QB, Sam Bradford, to the Vikings the line only dropped down to -5, and then -4, even with the notion that rookie Carson Wentz will start. The Eagles went 4-0 in the preseason while the Browns went 0-4, but that doesn't mean anything. What means something here is a rookie QB, a rookie head coach (Doug Pederson) and players built for the old coach's system. How Wentz got the starting job over Chase Daniel is a mystery -- not really (meddling owner Jeffrey Lurie), because Wentz struggled throughout training camp and only played in the first preseason game (rib fracture). It's even more surprising since Daniel signed a three-year, $21 million contract in the off-season to follow Pederson from the Chiefs, and Pederson is well-versed in the Andy Reid-style offensive scheme Lurie wanted to go back to. The Eagles offense will struggle, and the Browns will capitalize off the rookie errors that are sure to occur. Taking the points with the Browns is the play in a game they should win outright.
The Eagles aren’t expected to be good, yet only two other teams are more heavily favored in Week 1. Philly should be solid on defense, but don’t count on the offense to put together any blowout wins this year. Hue Jackson looks like he’s building a big-play offense around RG3 and a bevy of young pass catchers, and the running game should be better than expected behind a quality left side of the offensive line. The Browns should be able to get to 20 points in this game, and that’ll be enough to cover.