Washington Commanders (8-8-1 last season) vs Cleveland Browns (7-10 last year)
Washington Commanders vs Cleveland Browns 8/11/2023 — Wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson were among the wide receivers previously named starting for Washington’s skill positions. The backups will have plenty of time starting on Friday to battle for a berth as the second or third backup for each position. Although Chase Young is returning to lead the defense, he won’t see much action on Friday, if any. Who will play linebacker and secondary for the first team is also decided.
Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki will lead the linebacker core, while safety Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill will serve as the secondary’s captains. The front-line leaders for Cleveland’s first-team defense will be Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith. But several second and third-team spots in the various defensive positions are up for grabs, making the playing field highly competitive.
Washington Commanders vs Cleveland Browns Game Info
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Date: Friday, August 11, 2023
Location: Cleveland Browns Stadium, OH
TV: FOX
Washington QB Howell and Cleveland QB Watson
For 169 yards and one score, Sam Howell completed 11 of 19 throws. He had an 83 QB rate and one interception after the game. Jaret Patterson led the squad in running attempts for the Commanders with 17, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt for 78 yards. Terry McLaurin had three receptions for 74 yards, averaging 24.7 yards per catch. The Washington Commanders averaged 3.7 yards per attempt while carrying 151 yards in 41 tries. They ran 63 plays for 309 yards in total on the day. As a result of allowing 14 pass completions on 38 attempts for 118 yards, Washington’s completion rate was 36.8%.
The Steelers defeated the Browns 28-14 in their last game on the grid. Deshaun Watson finished the game with 230 yards on 19 of 29 throws (for an 84 quarterback rating) and two touchdowns. He threw two interceptions and had a Y/A of 7.9 yards. Cleveland’s Nick Chubb carried the ball 12 times for 77 yards, averaging 6.4 yards. Amari Cooper was one of the key targets for the Browns, catching 2 catches for 51 yards (25.5 yards per grab). Cleveland gained 134 yards on 22 carries for an average of 6.1 yards.
Odds/Point Spread: Washington Commanders +3, Total Odds: 38
In 9 of Washington’s previous 10 games against opponents from the American Football Conference, the total was UNDER. In 5 of Washington’s previous 6 games against opponents from the American Football Conference North, the total was UNDER. In their previous 7 August games, the Washington Commanders are 1-6 ATS. In their previous 8 Friday games, the Washington Commanders have gone 7-1 SU. In 4 of Cleveland’s last 5 games played in August, the total was OVER. In their previous 6 games played on a Friday, the Cleveland Browns have a 1-5 ATS record. In their previous 18 games as underdogs, the Cleveland Browns are 6-12 SU.
Washington Commanders Betting Trends
- The Washington Commanders are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
- The total stayed UNDER in 11 of Washington’s last 15 matches.
- The Commanders are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 matches against Cleveland.
- Washington is 9-4 SU in their last 13 matches against Cleveland.
- The team is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 matches on the road.
Cleveland Browns Betting Trends
- The total remained UNDER in 6 of Cleveland’s last 8 matches.
- The total hung OVER in 5 of the Browns’ last 7 matches against Washington.
- The Cleveland Browns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home matches.
- The total stayed UNDER in 4 of Cleveland’s last 5 matches against an opponent in the National Football Conference.
- The Cleveland Browns are 10-1 SU in their last 11 matches against an opponent in the NFC East.
Washington Commanders vs Cleveland Browns Betting Trends
Washington Commanders vs Cleveland Browns: Sam Howell, a rookie quarterback for the Washington Commanders, is competing against experienced quarterback Jacoby Brissett, a backup and starter for most of his career. Howell was a standout quarterback at the University of North Carolina. Since the two will want to make an impact during their short playing time, which may only be a few series, Washington will have the competitive advantage in this matchup. This advantage may be enough to give Washington a lead it would not relinquish.
Free Pick and Prediction: Washington will win 21-19.
