Cleveland at Carolina

Cleveland made major moves this offseason but the team is still loaded with talent after many years of drafting high. QB Jacoby Brissett has 36 TDs, 17 picks in his NFL career, the Browns used the franchise tag on tight end David Njoku (475 yards), added WR Amari Cooper, and have a very strong offensive line after extending the contracts of guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller. That offensive line helped the Browns lead the NFL in yards per rush (5.1). The Cleveland defense was fifth in yards allowed in 2021, #12 versus the run, returning pass rushing beast Myles Garrett, LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II. Carolina tried to win the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes in the offseason but lost to the Browns, who then dealt QB Baker Mayfield to them. He's off an injury-plagued campaign (17 TDs, 13 INTs). Carolina is still rebuilding, 10-23 in his first two seasons under coach Matt Ruhle. The Panthers finished in last place in the NFC South and have won 5 games in each of the last three seasons. They had no choice but to overhaul an offensive line that was the seventh-worst in rushing yards per carry (4.0). The Panthers are 4-12 ATS at home, so back the talented and balanced visitors. Play Cleveland.