The Cleveland Browns host the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers tonight, Saturday August 13th, in week one of the 2011 preseason. NFL oddsmakers have the Browns as -2.5 point home favorites over the Packers with the over/under set at 35.5 points. Start your 2011 NFL preseason off right by getting your Green Bay Packers vs Cleveland Browns predictions in now.
Green Bay has a potential position battle lies at running back. Ryan Grant will be returning to the Packers backfield for the first time since he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the 2010 opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and he's going to have to defend his starting job against James Starks, the second-year back out of the University of Buffalo that helped the Packers through the playoffs. Tight end Jermichael Finley will also be returning to the Packers starting lineup after missing the last 13 games of the 2010 season after suffering a season-ending knee injury.
Cleveland has three contenders for the No. 1 wide receiver job. Returning starters Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie hold a slim lead over 2011 second-round pick Greg Little for the right to be Colt McCoy's go-to target. After all, no Cleveland wideout has reached the 1,000-yard mark since Braylon Edwards in 2007. And McCoy's inexperience and reported poor arm strength also are reasons for concern. But new coach Pat Shurmur has promised to make the passing game a priority, and the team is committed to make do with the hand it's holding. Cleveland's passing game hasn't generated consistent production since the Reagan administration. Little is big (6-foot-2, 220 pounds), dangerous, and has been given an opportunity in camp to get ahead.
Green Bay Packers vs Cleveland Browns
When: Saturday August 13th@7:30 PM ET
Pick: Packers +2.5
Point-Spreads recommends you check out NFL Odds before the Packers vs Browns game.
The Bottom Line: The Packers will test their first year players, with nothing to lose or prove. Start your 2011 NFL preseason off right by getting your Green Bay Packers vs Cleveland Browns predictions in now.
