True, it was only an NFL betting exhibition but Cleveland will gladly take any win they can get. Fashion that with their 20-10 win at the Giants in their preseason opener. As has been noted the Browns were 0-16 last year. The outcome last week is the first good feeling for that franchise in a long time. Compared to last year top draft pick Baker Mayfield has fans hoping for a turnaround. Meanwhile the Buffalo Bills lost to Carolina in their exhibition opener at home. Granted, preseason games have rarely been a priority for Buffalo since the Marv Levy days.
Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns
Date and Time: Friday, August 17, 2018, 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: First Energy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
NFL Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bills | +3½ (-110) | 38½ (-111) |  |
| Browns | -3½ (-110) | 38½ (-109) | |
| |||
Bills vs. Browns TV Coverage: NFL Network
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo blew a 17-7 first half lead in their NFL betting loss last week. Correlate the Panthers got the go ahead score early in the fourth quarter. Consistent with preseason is the excitement around Buffalo’s first round draft pick Josh Allen. In brief he got one of the biggest cheers from Bills fans at the game. It follows that he would as Buffalo’s offense is in serious need for improvement.
Josh Allen
In one example Allen was applauded even on an incomplete play action bomb on his first ever snap. And yet he finished impressively with 9-19 passing for 116 yards. So too did Allen throw a touchdown pass of 14 yards to Robert Foster. Allen is being brought along slowly by the Bills. In fact, he is still on the third string. Nathan Peterman and AJ McCarron rank ahead on the depth chart. Further, McCarron was 7-10 for 116 yards passing. In sum Peterman and McCarron have split time with the starting lineup.
Cleveland Browns
On the whole Baker Mayfield has Cleveland fans dreaming Super dreams. The 2017 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback had an impressive debut. To show Mayfield was 11-20 for 212 yards. Further, he converted two fourth down plays with his feet. Embracing Mayfield’s performance was embattled head coach Hue Jackson. In particular Jackson said nothing Mayfield does surprises him. Definitely impressive was Mayfield’s 10-yard touchdown pass to David Njoku. Additionally, he hit a 54-yard slant and run to rookie Antonio Callaway. Current starter Tyrod Taylor was 5-5 with a touchdown pass as well.
Team vs Team Stats
Counter to last year the Browns are working on turnover elimination. Following their first playoff in 17 years Buffalo is trying to improve offensively.Buffalo has been a terrible sportsbook online value in preseason away games. For one thing they have covered just three of their last 18 in that role. Also, eight of their last nine road exhibitions went under the total. Likewise, Cleveland has also struggled in home preseason games. In fact, the Browns have lost eight of their last 13 home exhibitions vs. the line. Seven of their last nine in that situation have gone under the total.
Matchup to Watch
In comparison both teams have NFL betting reasons for optimism. Regardless Buffalo’s horrible preseason road record cannot be ignored. At the same time Mayfield appears to be just what the Browns franchise needs.
Bills vs. Browns Betting Odds Pick
To conclude the Browns are a solid pick in this one.
NFL Betting Online Pick: Cleveland Browns
NFL Betting Online Score Prediction: Browns 20, Bills 14
Check out highlights of the Browns win over the Giants!