At the start of each new NFL season, every team in the league has one goal, which is to do better than they did the year before. The defending Super Bowl champions are the only team that does not have that goal, as theirs is to repeat the process that took them to the top of the mountain last season. The team that appears to have the easiest task of topping their efforts from last year would appear to be the Cleveland Browns. After all, when you go winless the previous season, there really is only one direction you can travel in.
Things are a little trickier for the Buffalo Bills, as they have a playoff appearance from last season to top. Their team looks a little different this time around, with one of the biggest changes being at the QB position. Tyrod Taylor is out and will be playing against his old mates for a little while this coming Friday. The Browns looked very good in their opener, while the Bills will be looking to bounce back from a loss.
Baker Mayfield looked very good in his pro debut, tossing a couple of TD’s and generally looking at home. It was a convincing win over the Giants in the opener, and while the Browns fans will be reserving judgment until the real football begins, it’s a very positive start.
Bills vs Browns Game Info & 2018 NFL Preseason Week 2 Odds
- When: Friday, August 17 at 7:30 PM EST
- Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland
- TV: NFL Network
- Radio: TuneIn
- 2018 NFL Preseason Week 2 Odds: Cleveland Browns -3.5 (Total 38.5)
Recent Head to Head (Last 9 Games)
- Record: Buffalo Bills lead 5-4
- Score: Buffalo Bills 20.78 / Cleveland Browns 14.44
- Rush Yards: Buffalo Bills 169.44 / Cleveland Browns 105.00
- Pass Attempts: Buffalo Bills 30.44 / Cleveland Browns 28.33
- Completion Percentage: Buffalo Bills 53.65 / Cleveland Browns 50.20
- Passing Yards: Buffalo Bills 155.33 / Cleveland Browns 135.11
- Total Yards: Buffalo Bills 324.77 / Cleveland Browns 240.11
- Turnovers: Buffalo Bills 1.67 / Cleveland Browns 1.56
Why bet on the Buffalo Bills?
The big question for the Bills heading into the new season is in regards who will be under center once the real games begin. Nathan Peterman looked solid in his start against the Panthers, going 9/10 for 118 yards and a TD. Perhaps more importantly, though, he did a nice job of protecting the football and making smart decisions in limited playing time. The other two QB’s posted very similar numbers, although it was probably A.J. McCarron who was the more accurate of the two. While the Bills did not totally abandon the run, it was the passing game that was the highlight, with the trio of QB’s combining for a total of 350 yards. Expect more of the same this week as this team tries to figure out their starter for the opening week of the season.Why bet on the Cleveland Browns?
Last year, the Browns ended preseason with a perfect 4-0 record, leading many to believe that things were looking up. We all know how that ended. This year feels a little different, though, as the Browns appear to have actually brought in some solid talent. Tyrod Taylor at QB looks to be a good piece of business, as does the acquisition of Jarvis Landry from the Dolphins. It may be just one game, but it looks as though Cleveland may finally have drafted themselves a QB.
Baker Mayfield looked very good in his pro debut, tossing a couple of TD’s and generally looking at home. It was a convincing win over the Giants in the opener, and while the Browns fans will be reserving judgment until the real football begins, it’s a very positive start.
