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Browns at Eagles: Preview, Predictions, and More

By Jeremy Klump

Sep 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view of the stadium during the second half of a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view of the stadium during the second half of a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns vs Philadelphia Eagles

The excitement is real as the 2016 NFL season kicks off for both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. ET in Philadelphia, PA.

These two teams were friendly this offseason, as the Browns traded their number two overall pick to the Eagles for a plethora of draft choices. With that pick, the Eagles selected quarterback Carson Wentz, while the Browns decided to dust-off Robert Griffin III (RGIII) and see if he has another solid run in him.

Both teams will feature new head coaches in 2016 to go with their new quarterbacks, as the Browns hired former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hugh Jackson and the Eagles hired former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson.

Related Story: 5 reasons the Eagles win the NFC East in 2016

Keys To Victory

Browns:

  1. Keep RGIII clean: The Eagles have an elite defensive line. The Browns need to make sure RGIII isn’t taking big hits.
  2. Bring pressure: Carson Wentz will be making his first NFL start. That makes it obvious the Browns need to bring pressure and get in his head.
  3. Attack the Eagles poor cornerbacks: The Eagles may have the worst starting cornerback tandem in the entire NFL. The Browns need to show that by attacking them early and often.

Eagles:

  1. Run the ball effectively: Like I said, Wentz is making his first start. A good running game will go a long way for the rookie quarterback.
  2. Fly around on defense and special teams: Jim Schwartz has brought energy to the defense and they need to show it. They also have a great special teams unit and need to make sure it is in full force on Sunday.
  3. Carson Wentz: He was taken with the second-overall pick for a reason. If the Eagles are going to win on Sunday, Wentz needs to play well.

Odds

Point Spread: Philadelphia Eagles (-4)
Moneyline: Cleveland Browns (+175) Philadelphia Eagles (-210)
Over/Under: 41

(via OddsShark)

Next: Fantasy Football 2016: Predictions and Awards

Prediction

While the Browns certainly have some positives heading into the 2016 NFL season, I just do not think they are where they need to be. People will argue the Eagles aren’t either, however I see the Birds rallying around their new signal-caller, Wentz.

The rookie quarterback will have a great first day in the office, throwing for multiple touchdowns and only having one turnover. Look for the Eagles defense to get after RGIII and sack him on multiple occasions, while also forcing a few turnovers.

Wentz wins his debut and shows the Eagles may be a sneaky team to pick for the NFC East champions.

Pick: Cleveland Browns: 17, Philadelphia Eagles: 31

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