Carolina and Cleveland meet at 1-1 after each team produced a substantial Week 2 response to an opening loss. The Panthers followed a 59-37 defeat against Chicago by holding Atlanta to three points in a 34-3 victory. Bryce Young threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns, including two scores to veteran tight end Darren Waller. Tetairoa McMillan caught five passes for 101 yards, continuing his immediate role as one of Young's primary targets.
Defensively, Carolina forced five turnovers. Linebacker Devin Lloyd intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown as the Panthers prevented Atlanta from establishing any sustained offensive rhythm. Cleveland also rebounded after losing its opener to Jacksonville.
The Browns erased a 16-6 second-half
deficit to defeat Tampa Bay, 23-19. Deshaun Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, including a 55-yard connection with rookie receiver Denzel Boston. Watson's ability to handle Carolina's pressure will be central to the matchup.
The Panthers were disruptive against Atlanta, but their first two games produced dramatically different defensive results. Cleveland will attempt to keep Watson in manageable down-and-distance situations while identifying opportunities against a defense that surrendered several explosive plays in Week 1.
On the other side, Young faces a Cleveland unit that settled into the Tampa Bay game after struggling against Jacksonville. McMillan's involvement gives Carolina a downfield and intermediate receiving option, while Waller's work near the goal line adds another component to the passing game. The turnover margin could be particularly significant. Carolina's Week 2 victory was driven in large part by takeaways, while Cleveland's comeback depended on protecting possession and extending drives.
Browns vs Panthers odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Panthers -2.5
- Moneyline: Panthers -145; Browns +130
- Total: 41.5
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Panthers at Browns score predictions
Adam Kaufman: Panthers 20, Browns 17
Much like the Bears went from scoring 59 points in Week 1 to producing only three in Week 2, the Panthers' defense went from allowing 59 to holding its next opponent to three. Carolina's defense is all over the map, but its offense has been remarkably consistent, averaging 35.5 points through two games. Bryce Young has been efficient, and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan continues to develop into one of the league's most dangerous young receivers. The Browns shocked the Buccaneers as heavy road underdogs last week, with Deshaun Watson leading a late comeback that quieted some of the calls for a quarterback change. Watson should face more pressure this time, however, and linebacker Devin Lloyd is coming off a two-interception performance that included a pick-six. I like the road favorite to take care of business.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Panthers 24, Browns 19
Sometimes you're the hammer, and sometimes you're the nail. No one understands that dichotomy quite like the Panthers, who went from being pummeled by the Bears in Week 1 to routing the divison-rival Falcons on Sunday. Cleveland, however, also managed to flip the script in Week 2 by beating the Buccaneers. The Browns might not be as hapless as they appeared on first blush - particularly on defense - but the home opener still figures to end in a letdown if Deshaun Watson's turnover-prone ways flare up against a defense that leads the NFL with six takeaways.
Nate Davis: Panthers 27, Browns 20
Deshaun Watson? (Still) playing quarterback? In front of a hostile home crowd in Cleveland? What could go possibly wrong? Seems like a classic scenario when the "Browns are gonna Browns” – sorry, Coach Monk – especially when faced with what has been a surprisingly explosive Carolina offense that currently leads the NFC by averaging 35.5 points per game.
Richard Morin: Panthers 30, Browns 14
Yeah, I just don't see it with the Browns here — even after a Week 2 win. And don't let their opponent fool you because the Panthers are legit and legitimately overlooked this season. Deshaun Watson is still a turnover machine and isn't doing his defense — which looked much better last week — any favors right now. Cleveland may not be the worst team in the league, but I don't think they're in Carolina's league.
Where to watch Panthers at Browns
- Matchup: Browns vs. Panthers
- Date: Sept. 27
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Venue: Huntington Bank Field
- Location: Cleveland, Ohio
- TV: Fox
NFL Week 3 picks and predictions
- Falcons at Packers
- Chargers at Bills
- Raiders at Saints
- Patriots at Jaguars
- Texans at Colts
- Seahawks at Commanders
- Chiefs at Dolphins
- Jets at Lions
- Bengals at Steelers
- Vikings at Buccaneers
- Titans at Giants
- Cardinals at 49ers
- Panthers at Browns
- Ravens at Cowboys
- Rams at Broncos
- Eagles at Bears
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Panthers at Browns: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 3 game
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