Giants vs Browns Odds, Picks, and Predictions – Sunday, August 22

• After a week of joint practices, the Browns host the Giants in Week 2 of the NFL preseason
• Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm EST on Sunday from Cleveland, with the game shown on NFL Network
• See the odds and best bet for each team’s second preseason game

Week 2 of the 2021 NFL preseason sees the Giants and Browns cap off their week of joint practices. With the Browns firmly in the Super Bowl conversation in the AFC, Sunday’s 1:00 pm EST kickoff from FirstEnergy Stadium will be shown on NFL Network.

While the first day of their joint practices was fairly tame, day two turned up the heat. After a testy practice had ended, Sterling Shepard threw down with Browns corner Troy Hill. So we could see some added fireworks on Sunday. Or the two could end up being disciplined and sitting out.

Regardless, things are leaning heavily in Cleveland’s favor.

Giants vs Browns Odds

Odds as of August 21st at DraftKings

The Browns are 4.5 point favorites, with the total settling at 35. As late as Friday night however, some books still had the spread at 5.5. Despite a fairly significant difference in talent, the public thought that was a too big a number. The SBD Score Predictor has the Browns covering.

Joint Practices Change Gameday Plans

After being somewhat of a rarity a decade ago, joint practices have become common practice for most NFL franchises. The advantage is that the players can be put in highly competitive, controlled situations that offer more safety than a game.

Because of that, teams will sometimes hold back their stars after a good week of practice. Both New York and Cleveland neglected to trot out their teams in full force for Week 1.

Apparently Sterling Shepard & Troy Hill got into it after Giants-Browns joint practice

This occurred during practice pic.twitter.com/WOKdYUhQ1i

— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 20, 2021

Kevin Stefanski announced that most of his starters will be sitting out Week 2 as well. Joe Judge had said he’d have to talk to Stefanski before announcing his plans. This likely means we won’t be seeing many of the Giants first stringers either.

Injuries Will Slow Giants’ Offense

While it may feel a bit hyperbolic to hang both the total and New York’s chances on one injury, it is an impactful one. At least in preseason terms.

The Giants previous third-string QB, Clayton Thorson, was waived with an injury designation (concussion). That resulted in the team signing Brian Lewerke on Monday.

So Lewerke will likely get some significant playing time in a system he’s unfamiliar with, following Mike Glennon.

Judge actually left most of his starting offensive line in against the Jets in Week 1 and the results weren’t pretty. Not only is that an indictment of the backups, but a repeat performance makes things harder on Glennon and Lewerke.

#Browns Kevin Stefanski announces that Baker Mayfield and the majority of the starters will rest again in the 2nd preseason game, Sunday vs. #Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium.

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 20, 2021

Adding to the offensive troubles will be the absences of Saquon Barkley, Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney and Kyle Rudolph (PUP). That, combined with any possible discipline for Shepard, will leave the QBs throwing to Darius Slayton and a depleted wide receiver group.

The biggest injuries to hit the Browns were on the defensive side, as they likely lost Jacob Phillips for the season. Sione Takitaki is struggling with a hamstring issue as well, as Cleveland heads into Sunday with a banged up linebacker room.

Browns Continue to Flex Preseason Muscle

A win by the Browns in this spot feels like a forgone conclusion. They’re a deeper roster with talented players competing for game day roles on the regular season roster. So that’s the safe bet.

#Browns rookie CB Greg Newsome II then picks off #Giants QB Daniel Jones to end practice. Entire D goes nuts. Like I said varsity v freshman today

— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) August 19, 2021

But Cleveland gave up 13 points to four Jaguars QBs who are all better than what the Giants will trot out on Sunday. Totals can be somewhat volatile in the preseason. But an inexperienced third string QB and a talented second (and third) unit for the Browns could spell trouble for Big Blue.

If you’re looking for a bolder play, the under is worth considering.

The Pick: Under 35.0 (-110)

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