Panthers vs Browns Prediction 8/8/25 NFL Picks Today

The Cleveland Browns and the Carolina Panthers meet in week 1 NFL Preseason action from Bank of America Stadium on Friday night. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Panthers vs Browns Prediction.

Cleveland Browns Team Preview

The Cleveland Browns enter the 2025 season looking to rebound from a brutal 3–14 campaign in 2024, just one year removed from an 11-win season and a playoff berth in 2023. The Browns’ front office responded with a roster overhaul aimed at rebuilding both sides of the ball. At quarterback, Cleveland acquired Kenny Pickett in a trade and re-signed veteran Joe Flacco to a one-year deal to add stability to the position amid ongoing uncertainty around Deshaun Watson’s health. They also invested in the future by drafting both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, giving them one of the deepest and most intriguing quarterback rooms in the league. On the offensive line, the Browns signed tackle Cornelius Lucas to a two-year deal and guard Teven Jenkins to add depth and experience alongside returning starters like Joel Bitonio.

Running back Jerome Ford returns as the lead back, with DeAndre Carter added for depth in the passing and return game. The receiving corps remains a work in progress, featuring Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman—both vying for consistency and chemistry with whoever emerges as the starting quarterback. Defensively, the team reinforced its front by re-signing Myles Garrett and adding defensive tackle Maliek Collins, edge rusher Joe Tryon–Shoyinka, and linebacker Jerome Baker to anchor the line and linebacking corps. In the secondary, Cleveland signed cornerbacks Tony Brown II and Nik Needham to bolster their defensive backfield. The Browns enter 2025 with a refreshed roster across every position. With a crowded quarterback competition and key additions on both sides of the ball, it’s a critical season as they attempt to turn things around under GM Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski.

Carolina Panthers Team Preview

The Carolina Panthers enter the 2025 season determined to rebound from a 5-12 finish in 2024. Quarterback Bryce Young showed flashes of growth late last year, and the front office made major moves to support his development. The Panthers selected wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick out of Arizona, adding a true No. 1 option to pair with Xavier Legette and veteran Adam Thielen. They also signed veteran running back Rico Dowdle to complement Chuba Hubbard in the backfield, giving Carolina a deeper, more balanced running back room.

On defense, the team released Jadeveon Clowney and retooled the front line by signing Tershawn Wharton to a three-year, $54 million deal and bringing in Bobby Brown III. In the secondary, Jaycee Horn signed a four-year, $100 million extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. The Panthers also re-signed Mike Jackson, solidifying the outside corner positions. Edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen were added through the draft, adding speed and depth to a defense that lacked bite in 2024. With upgrades across both sides of the ball, 2025 represents a huge year for the Panthers’ rebuild. If the young core gels, Carolina could take a meaningful step forward in its long-term outlook.

Panthers vs Browns Prediction

I’m leaning towards the Browns here. I think it could be an interesting situation at the quarterback spot for the Browns, with so much volatility at QB. Furthermore, I think the Browns will have guys like Gabriel and Sanders making strong cases for higher placing on the depth chart, given the injury history at the position for Cleveland. Especially Sanders, who I think will play with a bit of a chip on his shoulder early on. The Panthers have solid pieces, but I think the depth throughout the lineup could be a bit problematic, so I’ll side with the Browns.