The Cleveland Browns (0-0) and Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) meet in preseason action Friday. Kickoff from TIAA Bank Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Browns vs. Jaguars odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Browns head into their preseason opener on the heels of some terrible news. The team lost key KR/WR Jakeem Grant Sr. to a torn Achilles’ suffered on the practice field, and he is now done for the season.
The good news is that QB Deshaun Watson will make the trip, and could potentially play for the first time since the end of the 2020 season with the Houston Texans. He is suspended for at least 6 games in the regular season, but allowed to play in the exhibition portion of the schedule.
The Jaguars were on the short end of a 27-11 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in last week’s Hall of Fame Game, but QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Travis Etienne were among the starters taking a rest. Coach Doug Pederson announced the starters will play against Cleveland, at least for a series or two.
RB James Robinson, still recovering from a torn Achilles’ last season, will not play for the Jags, nor will WR Laviska Shenault Jr.
Browns at Jaguars odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 3:35 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Browns -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Jaguars -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Browns -1.5 (-105) | Jaguars +1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Browns at Jaguars picks and predictions
Prediction
Browns 23, Jaguars 16
Money line
The BROWNS (-115) might use Watson, or he could sit. HC Kevin Stefanski has said the embattled QB will play at least 1 of the 3 preseason games, perhaps as soon as Friday. Either way, QBs Jacoby Brissett, Josh Dobbs and Josh Rosen will need plenty of reps to get ready for when Watson is out, and they’re more than capable. Cleveland will have plenty of talent on the field with or without Watson.
The Jaguars (-105) defense was in midseason form, and not in a good way, going down 20-0 at half in the HOF game last week.
Against the spread
Early on, the BROWNS -1.5 (-105) were getting points, and that’s a gift from the books. Take advantage if you can find it. Cleveland’s offense is deep at the skill positions, even if some starters sit, and Jacksonville didn’t look terribly improved last week, albeit with plenty of starters resting.
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Over/Under
The OVER 37.5 (-108) is the lean here, and worth playing lightly. Jacksonville’s defense was very giving against Vegas last week, and Cleveland will roll out at least 2 quarterbacks capable of moving the ball.
Even if RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt were to see limited or no action, RBs D’Ernest Johnson and Demetric Felton Jr. can do damage. Rookie WR David Bell will also be looking to make an early splash. Cleveland could score plenty here.
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