Browns at Buccaneers 8/23/19 - NFL Preseason Picks & Predictions

By: Zack |

Last Updated: 08/20/2019 at 10:36 AM ET

On Friday, the Cleveland Browns visit Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Browns improved to 2-0 in the preseason with a 21-18 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Garrett Gilbert threw a pair of touchdown passes during the first half and David Blough threw another during the second half leading the Browns to the win.

Tampa Bay improved to 1-1 in the preseason following its 16-14 win over the Miami Dolphins. Matt Gay booted a pair of field goals for Tampa Bay including on that put the Bucs ahead with just six seconds left to play. Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston played just one series and most of the other regulars saw less action than was anticipated but are expected to play three quarters on Friday.
Garrett Gilbert leads all Browns passers with 286 yards and two touchdowns. Starter Baker Mayfield has thrown for 77 yards and one touchdown. The leading rusher for the Browns is D’Ernest Johnson with 76 yards. Rashard Higgins leads all receivers with 132 yards and one touchdown. DJ Montgomery has 124 yards receiving and one TD.

Ryan Griffin leads Tampa Bay quarterbacks with 531 yards and two touchdowns. Starter Jameis Winston has played one series in each of the first two games. Dare Ogunbowale leads the Tampa Bay rushers with 68 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Tanner Hudson leads all receivers with 13 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns.

Cleveland will have its regulars on display Friday. The Browns are deeper at running back and wide receiver and will have Baker Mayfield running the show for at least the first half and possible longer. The Browns backups including quarterback Garrett Gilbert will prove to be the difference when they see action late in the second half. Tampa Bay has played its regulars sparingly and that could cause mistakes when they see more action on Friday in Week 3. Final Score Prediction, Cleveland Browns win and cover ATS 27-14.

Download the Picks and Parlays Mobile App

Get A free VIP Pick Daily!