The AFC North and the NFC West collide in a Week 1 preseason matchup in the NFL between the Cleveland Browns and the St. Louis Rams. An 8pm ET kickoff has been set for this game, getting underway from the Dawg Pound (FirstEnergy Stadium) in Cleveland.
- When:
Thurs., Aug. 8th, 2013 @ 8pm ET
- Where:
FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH
- Who’s Favored?
Browns by 4 – 35.5 o/u @ BetOnline
- More Info:
Expectations aren’t exactly high for either team when it concerns the 2013 season. But for St. Louis, there is at least some young talent to be optimistic about. The Rams had two first-round draft picks, taking receiver Tavon Austin out of West Virginia and linebacker Alec Ogletree out of Georgia. Austin is expected to be an instant impact player on offense, and help quarterback Sam Bradford in the passing game. Thursday will be our first look at this new QB/WR combination.
For the Browns, their offense starts with running back Trent Richardson. Richardson had a mediocre 2012 rookie season, rushing for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is expecting to pick up that pace entering his second year in the league. Of course, help in the passing game is needed.
Both Cleveland and St. Louis are in arguably the two best divisions in their respective conferences, so they will have their work cut out for them this season. It all starts in the preseason. The starters for both of these teams should see some reps. As for how many times we could see Austin out there, or Richardson running the ball, that remains to be seen.