The NFL preseason moves into Week 2 on Thursday night with two contests. Johnny Manziel will capture most of the fan interest even though he is still relegated to backup status. His Browns host Rex Ryan and the Bills at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
That game is preceded by the Lions at Redskins at 7:30 p.m. ET, with Robert Griffin III still trying to gain acceptance of coach Jay Gruden and the rabid Redskins' faithful.
Here's a quick look at the televised Browns-Bills tilt.
Line: Cleveland -2.5, Total: 39 Line movement: The point spread moved to Browns -3 after opening at -2 in Las Vegas, before an adjustment back to -2.5 The total has been bet down from 40 to 39.
In Cleveland's 20-17 loss to Washington last week, starting quarterback Josh McCown went 5-for-5 for 33 yards and a touchdown, while Manziel was 7-of-11 for 42 yards, plus a 12-yard touchdown scamper.
McCown remains the firm starter according to coach Mike Pettine. The pressure is on both quarterbacks to perform well tonight as Cleveland has no running game to speak of, especially with rookie Duke Johnson (hamstring) still hurt.
Ryan saw his team debut spoiled last week with a 25-24 home loss to Carolina as 3-point favorites. The Panthers scored a touchdown with under a minute left, something the defensive-minded coach was surely angry about, even with the backups playing.
The game last week went OVER the 37-point total. Ryan is now 18-7 OVER in the preseason for his career. Buffalo is 1-7 ATS in its last eight preseason games.
Buffalo is making a change in starting quarterback this game with dual-threat Tyrod Taylor replacing Matt Cassel. Taylor passed for 49 yards last week and rushed for 47 more. EJ Manuel remains third string.
Our complete Thursday night preseason preview, including a pick on Lions-Redskins, is right here at The Linemakers on Sporting News.
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