Eagles vs. Browns: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles set out to prove last year's 8-8 mark was not reflective of their talent level this weekend when they open their season on the road against the Cleveland Browns. 

While the Eagles undoubtedly have some of the best talent in the NFC on both sides of the ball, Cleveland will be breaking in two rookies in QB Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson, both of whom the team hopes will be fixtures for the next few years to come. 

Below, we'll look at game information, betting odds, fantasy stars and much more. 

Eagles vs. Browns

When: Sunday, September 9, 2012 @ 1 p.m. EST

Where: Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH

TV: FOX (check local listings)

Live Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket

Listen (radio): Sportsradio 94WIP FM (Philadelphia), WTAM 1100 (Cleveland)

Spread: Eagles -9.5 (via ScoresandOdds)

While the number is certainly lower than Eagles fans hope, oddsmakers are likely giving Cleveland a nod for being at home on their opener and not knowing what to expect from Philly. 

Philadelphia opened up tied with Chicago and Detroit for the largest margin, and they're the only team of the three to open up on the road. 

Smart money is on the Eagles to cover this weekend. They're embarrassed about their mediocre performance last season with virtually the same roster, and the rookie backfield in Cleveland is going to take time to develop.

Over/Under: 43

With Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson and the rest of Philly's offense poised to be on display, I'd take the over in this one.

The Eagles will look to establish LeSean McCoy early and often against the Browns' defense, and there is always the threat of the big play. Weeden will lead a late touchdown drive or two to push the total up over the line.

Key Injuries: (via CBSSports.com)

CLE-RB Chris Ogbonnaya: Questionable (ankle)

CLE-RB Trent Richardson: Questionable (knee)

CLE-TE Benjamin Watson: Questionable (thigh)

CLE-DB Joe Haden: playing amid appeal of 4-game suspension

PHI- S Nate Allen: Probable (hamstring)

PHI- DE Jason Babin: Probable (calf)

PHI- DT Fletcher Cox: Questionable (knee)

PHI- WR Riley Cooper: Out (collarbone)

Fantasy Start 'Em, Sit 'Em

Start 'Em - RB LeSean McCoy

With the Browns one of the NFL's worst last year at stopping the run, LeSean McCoy should have a big day establishing the ground game and controlling the pace of the contest for the Eagles.

It will only help that Browns LB Scott Fujita is out via suspension for his role in the Saints' bounty program, further weakening Cleveland's defensive core.

Sit 'Em - RB Trent Richardson

Richardson is going to be a legit fantasy option down the stretch of this season. There are far more factors to suggest he's going to be a great back than there are to suggest he's going to be a bust, even as a rookie.

But coming off his Aug. 9 surgery to repair his knee, what kind of back will we see, if at all? He's listed as questionable, and although it seems like he will play, he's a risky option against one of the NFL's better defensive lines and new linebacker DeMeco Ryans.

Sleeper - WR DeSean Jackson

Although he's a starter in almost every format of fantasy, this could be a big weekend for the young receiver. All offseason we've heard that Jackson's attitude is different this year, and that he's ready to be a playmaker again in a big way.

That starts Sunday, when he'll face a Cleveland secondary that doesn't know if Joe Haden will be available to play, and with the threat of the play action pass looming with LeSean McCoy looking to establish the run early and often.  

Keys to Victory:

 Philadelphia - Establish the run

The last thing coach Andy Reid wants is for the Cleveland defense to pin their ears back and come after Michael Vick. Coming off another injury, although this one was in the preseason and doesn't look to affect his status for Week 1, Vick needs the ground game to keep pressure off himself in passing situations.

The Eagles look to have a budding star in LeSean McCoy, so why not ride the young back to a Week 1 victory on the road? The Eagles have two big-play stars in Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, who are sure to garner less attention if their ball-carrier is running all over the field.

Cleveland - Disrupt the offensive line

Philly is known for their fierce pass rush, but the teams that gave it problems were able to attack Vick in the pocket last season.

There's no question there are a few concerns on the line, specifically replacing Jason Peters and having Demetrius Bell lose his starting job to King Dunlap at left tackle. If the Browns can give the Eagles some of their own medicine, it could get real interesting if Weeden has a short field to work with.

Prediction:

Eagles 31, Browns 14

The running game and big-play threats are too much for the Browns, who have bright spots in their rookies but also some key turnovers in the first half to give momentum to Philly's offense.

This is an emotional game for Reid, the first game since he lost his son this offseason, but you wouldn't know it based on the head coach's love for the game and professional attitude towards his job. Philly covers and wins big on the road.