Week 1 in the NFL left both the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints hungry for a win, and now they’ll face off in Week 2.
The opening day 21-21 tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers offered plenty of heartbreak for the Cleveland Browns, fans and the city. The Browns offense has offered more bark than bite thus far, but the weapons are there and a breakout game is likely imminent. Defensively, the first-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Myles Garrett, is healthy and on a rampage, collecting two sacks and forcing two fumbles in Week 1 alone.
Accompanied by rookie cornerback, and fourth-overall pick in 2018, Denzel Ward, who collected two interceptions in his NFL debut, the Cleveland Browns are hoping to lay claim to one of the top defenses in the NFL.
Taking on the New Orleans Saints will certainly offer the Browns defense a high-powered challenge as both teams look for redemption. The Saints defense allowed 48 points against the Buccaneers and the Browns are certainly hoping to follow suit.
The Cleveland defense did however, struggle to contain the Steelers No.2 running back, James Conner, allowing him 135 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, Alvin Kamara is surely ready to improve upon his week 1 total of 29 rushing yards for the Saints.
Drew Brees and company head into Week 2 leading the league in passing yardage, while the Cleveland Browns enter leading the pack with a takeaway-giveaway margin of +5.
An offensive juggernaut meets a young defensive powerhouse and all the fixings are in place for one of the league’s top matchups in Week 2.
TV and Live Stream Info:
Date: Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018
Start time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: New Orleans, LA
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: FuboTV, NFL GamePass
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Saints -9
Moneyline: Saints – 390, Browns + 330
Over/Under: 49.5
Odds are courtesy of OddsShark
Game Prediction
OddsShark also provides a score prediction for the game of 28.4 to 16.3 in favor of the Saints. Although I certainly understand their evaluation, I look for the Browns to pull off an upset and claim their first victory in, well, a very long time.
Final Score: Cleveland Browns 24, New Orleans Saints 21