The Cleveland Browns (0-0) travel to Bank of America Stadium to face the Carolina Panthers (0-0) in this week’s NFL Preseason clash. While wins and losses may not count for much in August, this matchup offers critical insights into depth charts, coaching strategies, and player momentum. With Joe Flacco expected to get meaningful reps and Carolina’s defense still finding its footing, several betting angles are worth exploring here.
Quick Picks:
* Best Bet: Panthers -2.5 ★★★★☆
* Top Prop: Joe Flacco Under 24.5 Pass Yards ★★★★★
* Value Play: First Half Under 19.5 Points ★★★☆☆
Browns vs Panthers Betting Odds & Line Movement
| Market | Cleveland Browns | Carolina Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +120 | -140 |
| Point Spread | +2.5 (-110) | -2.5 (-110) |
| Total | Over 36.5 (-110) | Under 36.5 (-110) |
Opening Line: Panthers -1.5, Total 35.5
Sharp Money Breakdown: Where the Smart Bets Are Going
When this line opened at Panthers -1.5, I anticipated movement — and we got it. The adjustment reflects early action on Carolina, especially after reports out of Cleveland highlighted multiple QB injuries. The Browns’ quarterback room is in complete disarray, with Kenny Pickett (hamstring), Dillon Gabriel (hamstring tightness), and Shedeur Sanders (arm soreness) all dealing with injuries. This led to Cleveland making an emergency signing of Tyler Huntley just days before the game, suggesting the Browns could be severely limited offensively.
The total also ticked up slightly, indicating expectations for sharper offensive execution from Carolina’s first-teamers, who are expected to play 1-2 series. Preseason totals rarely move without cause, so smart money is clearly leaning toward the Panthers covering at home against a depleted Browns QB room.
Quarterback Matchup: Joe Flacco vs Bryce Young – Who Has the Edge?
Cleveland Browns: Joe Flacco
- 40-year-old veteran who’s been the most consistent QB in Browns camp
- Expected to play 1-2 series as the listed QB1 on depth chart
- Has shown good chemistry with first-team receivers but limited mobility remains a concern
- Likely backed up by newly-signed Tyler Huntley due to other QB injuries
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young
- Building momentum after finishing 2024 strong with 11 passing TDs and 5 rushing TDs after Week 11
- Connection with rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan has been impressive in camp
- Expected to play 1-2 series before Andy Dalton takes over
- Looking more confident in second year under Dave Canales’ system
QB Edge: Panthers. Young is building chemistry with an improved receiving corps and has looked sharp in camp. Meanwhile, the Browns’ quarterback situation is chaotic at best, with multiple injuries forcing them to sign Huntley just days before the game.
Defense Comparison: Which Unit Will Step Up?
Both defenses are trying to rebound from disappointing 2024 campaigns. Carolina’s defense was historically bad last season, allowing an NFL-record 534 points. However, they’ve added significant talent through free agency (Tershawn Wharton, Tre’von Moehrig) and the draft (Nic Scourton, Princely Umanmielen).
Cleveland’s defense, led by coordinator Jim Schwartz, has had more continuity but is still working Myles Garrett back into the mix after his holdout. With Denzel Ward considered by Schwartz to be “probably the best corner I’ve had,” the Browns’ secondary should be a strength, but their run defense remains questionable.
In preseason, defensive communication and basic execution often trumps talent, which may give a slight edge to the Panthers, who will be motivated to show improvement after last year’s embarrassing defensive showing.
Key Betting Trends & Team Stats You Should Know
- Browns are just 2-7 ATS in their last 9 preseason games
- Panthers covered in 3 of 4 preseason games in 2024
- The Under is 11-5 in Browns’ last 16 preseason games
- Panthers coach Dave Canales has confirmed starters will play 1-2 series
- Browns have been forced to add QB Tyler Huntley due to injuries at the position
- Panthers’ Bryce Young led scoring drives in 4 of his 7 preseason series last year
- Cleveland’s defense ranked 18th in yards allowed (342.1) but 27th in points allowed (25.6) last season
- Panthers allowed an NFL-worst 31.4 points per game in 2024
Rookie Spotlight: Can Tetairoa McMillan Make an Early Impact?
Panthers first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan has been turning heads at training camp with his size (6’5″) and ball-tracking ability. His connection with Young has been one of the bright spots for Carolina, with coach Dave Canales raving about his performance. McMillan has made several spectacular catches in practice, including a diving grab of a ball thrown behind him during a recent touchdown drive.
The former Arizona star gives Young a big-bodied target that he lacked last season, and the Panthers will likely want to showcase this connection early in the preseason. Look for 2-3 targets to McMillan during Young’s limited playing time, with at least one designed shot play to test his deep ball capabilities.
Bank of America Stadium Factor: What to Expect on Game Day
Bank of America Stadium typically provides a solid home-field advantage, even in preseason. Weather forecasts call for temperatures in the mid-80s with moderate humidity, which could lead to a slightly slower pace of play, especially in the second half. The Panthers are emphasizing establishing a stronger home identity under Canales, and the crowd should be engaged early to see Young’s progress.
With Cleveland’s quarterback situation in flux and Carolina’s offense looking more fluid in camp, expect a higher energy level from the Panthers’ sideline. The Panthers went 3-5 at home last season but showed improvement late in the year, winning two of their final three home games.
Expert Prediction & Best Bets for Browns vs Panthers
Primary Play: Panthers -2.5 (-110)
The Browns’ quarterback room is in chaos, with multiple injuries leading to the emergency signing of Tyler Huntley. Meanwhile, Carolina has continuity with Bryce Young, who finished 2024 strong and has looked sharp in camp. The Panthers’ starters are expected to play 1-2 series, and their offensive improvements should be apparent early. Cleveland’s defense may keep it close initially, but the Panthers’ superior QB depth should prevail as the game progresses.
Strong Value Play: First Half Under 19.5 Points
First-team offenses typically need time to find rhythm in preseason openers, and both teams have focused on defensive improvements this offseason. With starters playing limited snaps and both teams likely to keep their offensive schemes vanilla, points could be at a premium early. The Browns especially may struggle to move the ball with their QB situation, making the first half under an attractive proposition.
Worth Considering: Joe Flacco Under 24.5 Pass Yards
At 40 years old, Flacco is unlikely to see extended action in the preseason opener. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski typically limits veteran exposure in preseason, and with the emergency signing of Huntley, the team will want to see what they have in their new addition. Expect Flacco to play just one or two series with a conservative game plan, making the under on his passing yards a solid play.
Top Player Props for Browns vs Panthers
| Player | Prop | Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Flacco | Under 24.5 Pass Yards | -110 | ★★★★★ |
| Bryce Young | Over 1.5 Completions | -150 | ★★★★☆ |
| Tetairoa McMillan | Over 9.5 Receiving Yards | -115 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Chuba Hubbard | Under 14.5 Rushing Yards | -120 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tyler Huntley | Over 32.5 Pass Yards | -110 | ★★★★☆ |
Final Thoughts: Panthers’ Stability Gives Them the Edge in Preseason Opener
The Browns’ quarterback situation is in complete disarray heading into this preseason opener. With injuries to Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders, they’ve been forced to make an emergency signing just days before the game. Meanwhile, the Panthers enter with clarity at quarterback and a desire to showcase their improved receiving corps.
While preseason outcomes are never certain, the Panthers have more stability and a clear plan for their starters. Bryce Young should be able to build on his late-2024 momentum, and Carolina’s defensive additions should begin to show against a makeshift Browns offense. Look for the Panthers to establish an early lead and maintain it through superior quarterback depth.
Score Prediction: Panthers 24, Browns 16
Note: Our projections about who’s playing in preseason are based on the latest updates from beat reporters, coaches, and players. Sometimes, that info changes at the last minute or doesn’t pan out on game day. If you can’t personally confirm who’s suiting up, we recommend keeping your action light—think “beer money” bets only.
Be sure to bookmark our main free picks page every week, where professional handicappers Kevin West and Rich Crew will be giving out winning picks!
