New Orleans Saints vs Cleveland Browns preview and predictions

New Orleans Saints vs Cleveland Browns preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Cory Buck | Sep 11, 2014

Sep 7, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan (center) talks with Browns quarterbacks Brian Hoyer (6) and Johnny Manziel (2) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Saints vs. Cleveland Browns

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH as each team looks to move past an 0-1 start handed to them by a division rival. The Browns will once again start Brian Hoyer at quarterback after Hoyer and the Browns enjoyed a stellar second half that nearly led to a comeback victory over division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. The Saints meanwhile look to avoid losing to the second straight road underdog they’ve faced to start the season after having blown a lead against the Atlanta Falcons.

Details for Sunday’s game are below:

Date: Sept. 14, 2014
Time: 1PM EST
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket
Radio: Stream 1 | Stream 2

For Browns ticket info click here. For Saints ticket info click here.

Keys to Victory

The Saints need to remain patient and avoid turnovers at all cost. The Browns are playing their home opener in front of a hopeful, frenzied bunch and with a stout defense at hand, the Browns will be hungry for picks and fumbles. Being prohibitive favorites means the Saints can’t give up anything easy to the Browns while avoiding unnecessary risks in play calling. Cleveland meanwhile must execute in the running game with backups Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell in the absence of starter Ben Tate. West and Crowell were huge against the Steelers, combining for over 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Browns must keep the Saints defense worn out and Drew Brees off the field so the game stays close.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Saints -7

Moneyline: Saints -280 Browns +235

O/U: 47.5

Prediction

Seven points is a lot for the Saints to lay down when concerns remain surrounding their defense, which was shredded by Matt Ryan and the Falcons last week. The Saints should still win this game, but expect the Browns to get an early push that requires Brees and company to escape an early deficit.

Final Score: New Orleans 28 Cleveland 24

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