Colts-Browns game highlights Saturday's NFL preseason slate

Baker Mayfield did nothing to quiet the hype surrounding the Browns in Cleveland’s preseason opener against the Washington Redskins. The second-year quarterback jump-started the offense with a 24-yard pass to Rashard Higgins to give Cleveland the early lead in the first few minutes of the game last week.

Mayfield didn’t stay on the field long, but he went 5-of-6 for 77 yards and earned a quarterback rating of 158.7. Offseason acquisition Odell Beckham Jr. sat out in the Browns’ 30-10 win, and it is expected he’ll do the same Saturday. Still, Mayfield is finding the end zone with second-string talent, which gives Browns fans even more reason to celebrate the upcoming season filled with playoff—and even Super Bowl—hopes.

The Colts suffered a loss in Week 1 against the Bills, but sat most of their starters. Chad Kelly took the majority of snaps as Andrew Luck watched from the sideline. Kelly went 13-of-19 for 121 yards in the Colts’ 24-16 defeat. Head coach Frank Reich will reportedly play the Colts’ first team for about a quarter of the game on Saturday, but Luck will continue to sit, as he's expected to miss the entire preseason because of an ankle injury.

One area the Colts must improve on in Week 2 is the run game. Backup running back Nyheim Hines didn’t do much against the Redskins, as he managed one yard on six carries. Kelly led the team in rushing with 53 yards and ran for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. 

As for the Browns, they’ll continue to evaluate the play of cornerbacks Greedy Williams and Terrance Mitchell. Williams, a rookie out of LSU, intercepted a pass by a member of his draft class, Dwayne Haskins, last week. Mitchell, who is slated as the starter alongside Denzel Ward on the depth chart, grabbed a forced fumble against the Redskins, as well. As time goes on, Williams could work his way onto the first team, and Saturday is another opportunity for him to better his chances of being named a starter.

The Colts hold home-field advantage in the contest and are favored by three, but with so much momentum swinging the Browns’ way, it’s tough not to back them to win Saturday.

Pick: Browns moneyline

Other Saturday games

New England Patriots (-1.5) at Tennessee Titans, 7 p.m. ET

The Titans return home in Week 2 to host last year’s Super Bowl champion. The Pats beat the Lions 31-3 on the road last week, while the Titans topped the Eagles 27-10 in Philly. With the Pats dealing with injuries to the receiving corps, expect them to scale back a bit and drop a game to the Titans in Nashville.

Pick: Tennessee Titans moneyline

Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers, 7:30 p.m. ET

The Steelers’ pass defense was terrible against the Buccaneers in Pittsburgh’s 30-28 win at home. Their weakness on defense will leave them too exposed to a nearly unstoppable Chiefs offense.

Pick: Kansas City Chiefs -2.5

Detroit Lions at Houston Texans (-4.5), 8 p.m. ET

The Lions need to find another answer at receiver, after Jermaine Kearse broke his leg in the preseason opener. The Texans are dealing with a mix of injuries, as well, but have more to work with on offense.

Pick: Houston Texans -4.5

Dallas Cowboys (-2.5) at Los Angeles Rams, 10 p.m. ET

Both the Cowboys and Rams lost in Week 1 and showed little on offense. The Rams tallied just 57 rushing yards, while the Cowboys ran for 55. Dallas put out a better effort on defense, and you can expect the same in Week 2.

Pick: Dallas Cowboys -2.5

Sunday games

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers (-3), 4 p.m. ET

The Saints' run defense let the Vikings rush for 213 yards last week. If they continue that kind of play on defense, you can expect the Chargers to take full advantage.

Pick: Los Angeles Chargers -3

Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings (-4), 8 p.m. ET

Both the Seahawks and Vikings were plagued by penalties in Week 1. Geno Smith struggled for the Seahawks, going 3-of-9 for 58 yards, and got sacked twice. Paxton Lynch stepped in to stir up competition at backup, and he completed 11-of-15 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. The Vikings’ quarterback collective was solid all around. Give them the edge at home.

Pick: Minnesota Vikings moneyline

Monday game

San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos (-2.5), 8 p.m. ET

The 49ers pulled out a 17-9 win against the Cowboys, but lost even more players to injury. They’ll play it more conservative in Week 2 and lose on the road to Denver.

Pick: Denver Broncos -2.5

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