The Cleveland Browns head to Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Eagles in this 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff on Fox. Both teams entered the season with high expectations, and things haven’t gone as they’d hoped thus far. This game could be a pivotal moment in the way either or both of their seasons go from here. Let’s dive into this Browns-Eagles preview.
The Cleveland Browns finished last year with a record of 11-6 and a berth in the playoffs. They did a majority of that without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. With Watson’s return, there were high hopes in Cleveland. They enter Week 6 with a record of just 1-4. Their only win came over the Jacksonville Jaguars and they’ve suffered losses at the hands of teams like the Raiders and Giants, who haven’t exactly looked great.
For the Eagles, it’s been a wild ride to open the season. They won a nail-biter in Brazil over the Packers to open the season. In Week 2 they lost on a last-second Kirk Cousin drive. They squeaked out a win over the Saints in Week 3 and were beaten soundly by the Buccaneers in Week 4. At 2-2, they had an early bye week in Week 5, which gave their star receivers AJ Brown and Devonta Smith a chance to get healthy for Week 6 where they should both play.
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Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles Preview and Predictions
Philadelphia Eagles -8 (-120)
While the Eagles haven’t had the hottest start to the season, they’ve played all tough opponents for the most part. This week with the Browns, it doesn’t seem to be a tough opponent. Deshaun Watson looks like one of the worst decisions the Browns have ever made at quarterback (and that’s a high bar).
Washington easily handled the Browns last week beating them by 21 points. The Browns passing offense is the worst in the NFL in passing yards per attempt (4.9) and only six teams are worse than them in total rushing yards (483). Coming off a bye week and getting their receivers back, I expect this game to be a statement from the Eagles and am not afraid to lay the points, ESPN Bet is currently offering the best number around at 8.
AJ Brown Over 70.5 Receiving Yards (-127)
AJ Brown returns after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury. After having those three games off, plus the bye to recover he should be good to go on Sunday. In his one game this season against the Packers Jalen Hurts targeted Brown 10 times for five receptions and 119 yards.
A reminder of what AJ Brown brings to the Eagles offense pic.twitter.com/yeYNx0yMWy
— James Tatum (@JamesTatum01) October 9, 2024
The Browns haven’t done well against the number one receiver for the opposing team either. Last week it was Terry McLaurin who went for 112 yards through the air. In Week 3 Malik Nabers got 78 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Brian Thomas Jr caught two huge passes for 94 yards in Week 2. If a couple of rookies could torch this secondary, look for veteran AJ Brown to do his work.
