EDITORIAL BY GRAYDON FOX

Prizes:

1st Place: $25 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Amazon gift card

If there are ties, a random drawing will determine the winner.

Top 5 Winners

1. Maria Katie (350 points)
2. Robert Moore (350 points)
3. Jaime Wissinger (329 points)
4. Royalanders1995 (329 points)
5. Nick Salter (329 points)

Overview:

On Thursday, August 23^rd, the Philadelphia Eagles will be on the road to take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 3 of the 2018 NFL Preseason.

The Crowd:

“The Crowd” is projecting a final score of Eagles 25.9 – Browns 19.0 with an over/under of 44.9.

2017-18 Statistics (32 total teams):

Yards per game:  Eagles 365.8 (7^th) > Browns 308.9 (24^th)

Points per game: Eagles 28.6 (3^rd) > Browns 14.6 (32^nd)

Turnover margin: Eagles +11 > Browns -28

Yards allowed per game: Eagles 306.5 (4^th) > Browns 328.1 (14^th)

Points allowed per game: Eagles 18.4 (4^th) > Browns 25.6 (31^st)

Summary:

The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles didn’t need to do much tinkering to an already championship caliber roster.  Quarterback Carson Wentz is returning from his ACL tear and will look to build on an exceptional season.  The depth at quarterback is cause for concern especially after backup Nick Foles suffered a shoulder sprain last week.  A dominant offensive line will pave the way for running back Jay Ajayi who I expect to make more of an impact than he did in his first year with the Eagles.  New additions Michael Bennett and Mike Wallace should make an immediate impact and won’t be expected to put up monster numbers.  Philadelphia’s defense is absolutely loaded on all three levels whether it’s Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Nigel Bradham, or Malcolm Jenkins.  The Eagles (+162) led the league in point differential last season.

The Browns are coming off a miserable (0-16) season and claimed their place as the second NFL to ever go winless.  Cleveland’s general manager John Dorsey completely overhauled the roster this offseason bringing in quality starters in Jarvis Landry, E.J. Gaines, T.J. Carrie, Tryod Taylor, Demarious Randall, and Mychal Kendricks.  The Browns selected Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Baker Mayfield with the first pick in the NFL draft and cornerback Denzel Ward with the fourth pick.  Ward has drawn rave reviews in the early portion of camp and could star in a completely revamped secondary.  Mayfield has flashed in the early part of the preseason with his poise, footwork, and quick decision making.  Other draftees Antonio Callaway, Nick Chubb, and Austin Corbett are all expected to make an immediate impact.  Josh Gordon finally made his long awaited return to the Browns after trying to get his life off the field straightened out.  I expect a huge jump from Myles Garrett who struggled to stay healthy in year one. The Browns (-176) ranked 32^nd in the NFL in point differential in 2017.  The Browns will be much improved this season and step one is taking care of the football.

Contest Rules:

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