The Eagles vs. Browns matchup will be a contest with much on the line. For the 1-4 Cleveland Browns, another loss would likely end their season a few months early. The city is on fire right now with Deshaun Watson’s poor play, and fans are clamoring for him to be benched. As for the Eagles, their city is just as hot with Nick Sirianni and the coaching staff’s performance.
While the Eagles season outlook will not be over with a loss, a loss here could cause riots on the streets until Nick Sirianni is fired. These two teams have not played great ball this year, and this game could likely be a tipping point for the loser.
A Day of Desperation: Eagles vs Browns Picks
Eagles Need to be Advantageous on Offense
The most important aspect of the Eagles vs. Browns matchup will be how Jalen hurts and the offense play. The Browns’ defense is not lighting it up statistically, especially after getting blown out by the Washington Commanders, but they’re better than that. It’s hard to play defense when one’s offense is a punting simulation machine. The Browns’ defense is fast, aggressive, and fairly stout against both the pass and the run.
However, the aggressiveness of the Browns’ defense both helps and hurts them. They love to load up the line of scrimmage with bodies, blitz, and have their corners in press coverage. It helps them smother offenses on some drives, but it leaves them vulnerable for some big plays. For example, the first big play for the Commanders came on a deep bomb to Terry McLaurin. Jayden Daniels got outside of the pocket and that little extension of the play let McLaurin get open deep.
JAYDEN DANIELS WITH A 66-YARD DOT TO TERRY MCLAURIN 🎯 🔥
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/xMsIqZZg0P— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 6, 2024
With A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith likely returning in week 6, the Eagles get back some much-needed firepower. They will have some opportunities to make big plays, but they need to take advantage of them because the Browns don’t give up much else otherwise. Not just in the passing game but in the run game as well. Barkley will have a few runs that he could take to the house.
The Focus for Jalen Hurts, Kellen Moore, and Nick Sirianni
Everyone wants the Eagles offense to light up the scoreboard, which they have not done since Brown went down before the Atlanta Falcons game in week 2. However, this is a week that the Eagles likely will not need it. The Browns offense with Deshaun Watson at the helm has been horrific. They cannot run the ball, but they cannot trust Watson to make routine plays at this point, either. So, what’s most important for the Eagles offense this week is to take care of the ball.
Jalen Hurts has made a bad habit of turning the ball over in the past year. The primary focus for the offense during the bye week should have been addressing this issue. They need to find formations and game plans that keep Hurts in his comfort zone. This could be letting him get on the move more and less prototypical plays from the pocket. If Hurts can go turnover-free on Sunday and hit a few big plays to Brown or Smith, it will go a long way in restoring his confidence.
Eagles vs. Browns Picks
Eagles win 27-13
Getting a read on the Eagles this season has been next to impossible. It seems like a different Eagles team has played each week. Yet, the Browns offense has been too horrific to expect anything different this week. If Watson is benched and backup Jameis Winston gets the reigns, the game may be a little closer. However, this game was tailor-made for the Eagles to win and take advantage of the aggressiveness of the Browns’ defense with Barkley and the receivers. A win here likely does not change much of the fans’ perception of Nick Sirianni, but it’s something that the team can hang their hat on going forward for the rest of the season.
Other Prop Bets:
A.J. Brown 50+ Receiving Yards
Browns Total Team Points Under 16.5
Saquon Barkley Any Time Touchdown Scorer
Main Image: Kim Klement Neitzel – USA Today Sports
