NFL Preseason Week 1 is underway as fans get their first look at their favorite teams and players in some exhibition matches.
The Browns and Panthers will face off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 8 as part of a three-game slate. This matchup will be nationally televised on NFL Network.
Carolina is favored by six points and is -270 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under 33 points.
Here’s my prediction and pick for Friday’s Panthers vs. Browns matchup.
Panthers vs. Browns prediction
Shedeur Sanders was a projected first rounder just a few months ago, but he slipped to the fifth round where the Browns scooped him up. It’s a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland, but Sanders is getting the first start of the preseason.
All eyes will be on him as he makes his preseason debut against the Panthers. The Browns haven’t made a decision on their starting quarterback this year, or for the future, so every snap is meaningful for Sanders. He no longer has that first-round pedigree and is now trying to prove why teams made a mistake by passing on him.
It’s uncertain how many snaps Sanders will get, but the other quarterbacks are likely sitting out. Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett are dealing with hamstring injuries, while Joe Flacco won’t play. The Browns also signed Tyler Huntley, who will likely see some time backing up Sanders tonight.
The Panthers will play their starters in tonight’s preseason opener, which means Bryce Young will get a good chunk of snaps under center. The team benched the third-year quarterback after he struggled in the first couple games last season.
Carolina is hoping to avoid that and get Young some early reps with rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan and the rest of the offense.
Panthers vs. Browns pick, best bet
The Panthers are understandably the favorites tonight as they intend to play their starters. While Young has struggled in his first two seasons, he has far more experience than many of the other players.
It’s tempting to take the Panthers at -6 (-110), but the over is an even better choice. The total is set at o/u 33 points, which is low for NFL standards. Yes, this is preseason, but the first three games have shown that teams can still score with their second or third units.
Carolina will have their first unit, and the Browns should also have some success with Sanders under center. This isn’t a large number to hit — a final score of 18-16 would clear the line.