10
Loading video...
By Joe Kozlowski
Sports Team Lead
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
After what felt like an eternity, all 32 NFL teams got back into action. Now, with preseason Week 2 on the cards, it's time to take another step toward finalizing the depth charts and kicking off the regular season.
That reality can be seen when the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles take the field on Thursday. Both teams largely have their starting lineups squared away, but both rosters are filled with players who are fighting for a spot. That might seem irrelevant— who cares about reserves and special teamers?—but it does set up some drama. No one fights harder, after all, than someone with their job on the line.
With that in mind, let's preview the matchup and lay out everything that you'll need to know before kickoff.
Read More
Ole Miss Coach Lane Kiffin Calls Out Diversity Gap in NCAA Football5 min read
Meet Deuce Vaughn, Dallas Cowboys’ Rookie Secret Weapon4 min read
What We Know About Michael Oher and His New Legal Petition5 min read
...
How to Watch Browns vs. Eagles
While NFL games are still largely associated with Sundays, things have changed over the years. Thursday night action is now a regular part of the schedule, and that includes the preseason.
This week, the Browns and Eagles will take the field in Philadelphia at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air nationally on the NFL Network. If you're in the Philadelphia market, you can catch the game on NBC10; Clevelanders can tune in on WEWS. National streaming will also be available on NFL+.
An interesting offense vs. defense matchup
As mentioned above, the key players in both the Browns and Eagles lineups are firmly entrenched in their respective positions. This preseason game, however, could pit some interesting names against each other.
Starting on the Cleveland side of the argument, rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson has put in two strong performances so far. While no amount of preseason heroics will displace Deshaun Watson, the rookie's trajectory is worth watching on two levels.
First, backup quarterbacks do matter; it's easy to write them off, but you don't want to be without a reliable No. 2 option when the starter goes down. If Thompson-Robinson can continue to prove himself, he might enter the season as the Browns' secondary signal-caller.
Beyond that, preseason can be an opportunity for a player to put himself in the shop window. Even if he doesn't show enough to secure the Browns' backup job, DTR could show enough to earn a job with another organization. You never know who's watching a performance, and when that scout or executive will come calling.
If Thompson-Robinson wants to make an impact, though, he'll have to outduel some of the Eagles' talented defensive rookies. Jalen Carter looked worthy of his first-round status in Philadelphia's preseason opener, bullying his way into the backfield on his first professional snap. As he sees more playing time, it will be worth tracking his ability to make an impact. Will he tail off over the course of the game? Or can the rookie keep the intensity up throughout the contest?
Elsewhere in the defensive formation, two undrafted rookies—Mekhi Garner and Eli Ricks—stood out against Baltimore. Earning a spot on the full roster will be tricky, but a strong showing against the Browns will keep their names in the conversation.
Betting Line, Over/Under for Browns-Eagles
If you're going to tune into the Browns vs. Eagles game and want to bet, the bookmakers have you covered.
As of Monday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Eagles as a 3.5-point favorite. The over/under is set at 37.5 points.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines