Cleveland Browns vs Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions

Cleveland's offensive line faces an immediate test

Cleveland will start five offensive linemen added during the offseason, according to the Cleveland Browns. Austin Barber will replace right guard Teven Jenkins, who's out with a back injury. That makes blocking coordination an early concern against Jacksonville, which SPF lists as a 7.5-point favorite.

The team's injury report also lists center Parker Brailsford as questionable with a thumb injury. If he can't play, Cleveland would need another replacement inside, adding to the adjustments required of this new group.

Prediction and betting decision

NFL.com lists Jacksonville running back LeQuint Allen Jr. as questionable with a hip injury. Tackle Anton Harrison didn't practice, but no game status is listed. His absence from practice alone doesn't establish that he'll miss the game.

Jacksonville is the straight-up pick, with low confidence. Cleveland's offensive line changes give a reason to favor the Jaguars, but don't establish that they'll win by eight or more. At SPF's -380 moneyline, Jacksonville needs to win about 79.2% of the time to break even; the availability reports alone don't justify that estimate. Pass.

SPF lists Cleveland at +300 and the total at 40.5. There's no supported scoring projection to justify an over or under, and passing on Jacksonville doesn't make Cleveland a worthwhile bet.