Minnesota Vikings (0-0) vs. Cleveland Browns (0-0)
August 17, 2024 4:25 pm EDT
The Line: Cleveland Browns -3; Over/Under: +37
(Get latest betting odds)
The Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings meet Saturday in NFL preseason week 2 action at FirstEnergy Stadium. Here’s a Cleveland Browns vs Minnesota Vikings Prediction. This article will include a Cleveland Browns vs Minnesota Vikings Pick.
Vikings Quarterback Battle Solved
The Vikings looked to have a quarterback battle on their hands with JJ McCarthy and Sam Darnold both playing well in their first game. The Vikings had to really battle but they were able to beat the Las Vegas Raiders 24-23. Sam Darnold started the game by completing 4 of his 8 passes for 49 yards. JJ McCarthy had a disappointing interception but otherwise looked good, completing 11 of his 17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Kene Nwangwu is trying to earn a bigger role on the team, and he looked good, finishing with five carries for 52 yards and a touchdown. Jalen Nailor also looks like the third wide receiver catching three passes for 63 yards. The defense did struggle in the first game and the defense is going to need to be a whole lot better here. McCarthy played well but he was hurt and is going to have to undergo surgery on his knee and will be out.
Deshaun Watson Won’t Play for the Browns
Deshaun Watson is going to play in the joint practices but he’s not expected to play in this game. In the first preseason game, the Browns faced off against the Green Bay Packers and they were defeated 23-10. Dorian Thompson Robinson looked good in the first game, completing 14 of his 18 passes for 134 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Tyler Huntley completed 6 of his 9 passes for 41 yards.
The running game wasn’t strong for the Browns and that is something that could be improved upon and the top rusher for Pierre Strong Jr and he finished with six carries for 15 yards and zero touchdowns. In this game, the Browns are going to need to get the offense out to a faster start.
Cleveland Browns vs Minnesota Vikings Prediction
With Watson not playing for the Browns, the Vikings have a big advantage at quarterback Sam Darnold is going to find success with the offense. Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall are also going to be strong here. The Browns offense only scored ten points in the first game and they are going to struggle to get anything going here. The Browns aren’t going to be keeping up and the Vikings are going to get the job done. Back the Vikings against the spread.
