The Los Angeles Rams (2-0) and Cleveland Browns (2-0) meet in NFL preseason action on Saturday, Aug. 23. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET today from Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The game will broadcast on NFL Network.
The Browns are 9.5-point favorites on the spread with the game total set at 36.5. Cleveland is a -550 moneyline favorite to win outright while Los Angeles is +400 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Rams vs Browns prediction and pick for Saturday.
Rams vs Browns Prediction, Odds
| Rams Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+9.5 -105 | 36.5 -110o / -110u | +400 |
| Browns Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-9.5 -115 | 36.5 -110o / -110u | -550 |
Rams vs Browns Preview
Ahead of the Rams' visit to Ohio to face the Browns, the major news has been around the quarterbacks. That's the main reason for the line moving from Browns -2.5 to -7.5. Knowing the volume of reps for quarterbacks on the depth chart is key in the NFL preseason, and the new information we have informs our choice in backing the Browns to cover.
Starting with the Rams, it's been obvious all along that Matthew Stafford wouldn't play as he has only returned to practice this week following injury.
However, the team has been strong throughout the preseason with wins over the Chargers and Cowboys. Stetson Bennett has looked calm and confident as he's thrown five touchdown passes — the two interceptions are a concern, but head coach Sean McVay has seen enough from his backup to rule the former Georgia man out of this one.
Instead, the keys to the Rams offense have been handed over to Dresser Winn. The 26-year-old was most recently seen on the Memphis Showboats in the United Football League, where he finished 1-3 as a starter with more turnovers than touchdowns. At this time, it's still unconfirmed how many, if any, starters will play, but with Winn under center, there's a limit on this Rams offense.
For the Browns, we've had confirmation from head coach Kevin Stefanski that starters will be suiting up and they should be getting 20-25 plays each.
Joe Flacco isn't an elite quarterback, but if he's on the field for 20 plays, with the first-string offensive line, then they should be able to move the ball well enough.
After Flacco is pulled, we're going to get Dillion Gabriel followed by Shedeur Sanders, who are third and fourth, respectively, on the Browns' depth chart behind Kenny Pickett.
Sanders has performed best of the two in preseason with a lights-out, two-touchdown showing against the Panthers — but Gabriel was solid as well despite not throwing a touchdown pass and getting intercepted. With both guys wanting to climb the depth chart, there's likely to be real motivation behind both of their stints under center.
While there are question marks over Gabriel and Sanders, we've already seen more in preseason and college to suggest that they're better than Winn. Add in Flacco and the starters getting reps, and we should see the Browns crush.
Pick: Browns -7.5 (-113); Bet to -9.5
Spread
My pick for this game is the Browns to cover the spread.
Moneyline
I'm staying away from either side of the moneyline.
Over/Under
I have no pick for the game total.
