Cleveland Browns (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)
Week 1 NFL
Date/Time: Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 1PM EST
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TV: CBS
By Loot, NFL Football Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Point Spread: CLE +3.5/PHI -3.5
Over/Under Total: 43.5
The Cleveland Browns come to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in week one of the NFL season. The Eagles were 7-9 last season and now turn to new head coach Doug Pederson to get this franchise headed in the right direction. Cleveland won 3 games last year and could really use a positive development after only surpassing five wins once in the last eight seasons.
Most are anticipating another rough season for the Browns and for pretty good reason. Perhaps some stars can line up and they can surprise some people. Robert Griffin III takes over at quarterback and it's been a long fall for the 2012 Rookie of the Year, who ended up third on the Washington Redskins depth chart last season. The pressure is off and maybe he can thrive. Of course, that's not something one can feel too sure about predicting, but who knows? They also have new leadership with Hue Jackson, who has worked wonders with quarterbacks before. The addition of Jackson should at least help start to fix the Cleveland team culture. Look for Jackson to try to replicate the ground-game approach he used in Cincy, as he features a 1-2 punch with Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson, who averaged 3.8 and 3.6 yards per run, respectively. They run behind a line that has some talent with top-notch Joe Thomas, but needs to replace center Alex Mack and RT Mitchell Schwartz. Look for Cameron Erving, John Greco, Joel Bitonio, and Austin Pasztor or Shon Coleman to fill out the line around Thomas. As with most elements of this team, it's a bit iffy.
Through the air, RG3 will have a rising commodity at tight end in Gary Barnidge, who went over 1000 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. Out of the backfield, Johnson was very useful with 61 catches. They will certainly benefit with the return of Josh Gordon, but he still needs to sit out four games before getting back into action. Rookie Corey Coleman could turn out to be a star. What the Browns inevitably hope for this season is that the acumen of Jackson with some added growth in their personnel can make the offense respectable.
In giving up 379 yards per game last season, the Cleveland defense was ranked 27th, New defensive coordinator Ray Horton will initiate some changes and hopefully a better attitude. Last season's first-round pick Danny Shelton could end up at nose tackle, flanked by end Xavier Cooper, along with incoming talent like rookie Carol Nassib and John Hughes. The LB corps will have a new look on the inside with Christian Kirksey and free agent signing Demario Davis, who could make a major impact. With Barkevious Mingo being traded during camp nd Paul Kruger released, the LB package will feature a lot of youth. Maybe rookie Emmanuel Ogbah can fill that void. The one thing you could count on was a good pass-defense from the Browns. But that was lacking last season with the 22nd-ranked pass-defense. Normally-solid Joe Haden had an off year with injury issues, with Tramon Williams (questionable) showing a little age. At safety, Ibraheim Campbell and Rahim Moore will need to surprise. They need things to line up in a big way for this "D" to take hold.
So what do the Eagles bring to the table in 2016? This is step one of recovering from the Chip Kelly era, where some collateral damage was absorbed. The offense slipped with first-year QB Sam Bradford, though he did complete 65% of his throws in 2015. There was some optimism moving forward with him, until Minnesota made an offer they couldn't refuse, trading a first-round pick for Bradford. It looks like raw number-two pick in the draft. If Wentz is healthy, it will be him under center. If his rib is still a problem, it will be Chase Daniel. He will be leaning on running back Ryan Mathews, who never seems to put together a healthy season, along with Darren Sproles and Kenjon Barner. Jordan Matthews is a fine receiver, but perhaps lacking a few dimensions as a number-one. They could use some help from 2015 first-rounder Nelson Agholor, Josh Huff, and late acquisition Dorial Green-Beckham. It's just that with Bradford, we had an idea of what to anticipate. With Wentz or Daniel, it's less certain. It could be better, It could be a lot worse, too.
The Philly line took an offseason hit with tackle Lane Johnson being suspended for ten games. Otherwise, it's a pretty solid group with Jason Kelce at center, guards Allen Barbre and Brandon Brooks, with RT Jason Peters. With a decent line and some incoming pieces to provide depth, they provide a nice foundation. Youth could be served if some pieces develop. And with Frank Reich as coordinator in tandem with an offensive mind and QB guru like Jackson, is it crazy to expect this Philly offense to hit its stride?
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Chip Kelly's focus on offense has left the defense in a bad way, as they were the worst "D" against the run in 2015. Look for a happier defense that benefits from more offensive time of possession this season. The line should improve with a return to the 4-3 scheme, as there is some talent up-front with pass-rushing Fletcher Cox, ends Connor Barwin, Brandon Graham, and Bennie Logan. The middle gets a bump with the addition of Nigel Bradham, who joins Jordan Hicks and Mychal Kendricks. A 31st-ranked secondary from 2015 returns young corner Eric Rowe, Nolan Carroll, and free safety Malcolm Jenkins, while looking for help from incoming S Rodney McLeod, CB Leodis McKelvin, and CB Ron Brooks. This defense has nowhere to go but up.
Both teams are going to need some patient fans. After some rough recent seasons, failed moves, and plans not going according to plan, each team is looking to right the ship from different starting points. Cleveland is immersed in dysfunction and hiring Jackson is one of the first right moves that front office has made in recent memory. Philly looks to overcome a drastic franchise plan that ended up sideways, but they're more equipped to bounce back with more pieces in place. Still, with that Eagles' defense and the quarterback situation, there's something about taking Philly in a spot where they're laying 3.5 points that fails to inspire a positive feeling. Cleveland will stinkâyou'll get no argument there. But if they're at least going to give some teams a tough game, why not here? I'll take the Browns and the points. And a few tums.
Loot's Pick to Cover the Point Spread: I'm betting on the Cleveland Browns plus 3.5 points. Tired of your credit card not working for sportsbook deposit? End that problem today and bet the Cleveland vs. Philly game in the comfort of your own home by signing up at Bovada Sportsbook where your credit card WILL work and where you'll receive a generous 50% sign-up bonus!
