With a legitimate QB battle going on, the Cleveland Browns head into Saturday's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills as a slim 2.5-point favorite. The kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at Huntington Bank Field.
With Josh Allen unlikely to play, my Bills vs Browns predictions and NFL picks are eyeing Cleveland to cover this modest spread.
Bills vs Browns predictions
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Who will win Bills vs Browns: Browns -2.5
The Cleveland Browns are still deciding who their QB1 will be this season, which gives them a more interesting preseason setup. Shedeur Sanders is expected to start Saturday against Buffalo, while Deshaun Watson should also see the field as Cleveland continues evaluating its quarterback battle.
The Buffalo Bills gave their starters a heavy workload in Thursday’s joint practice, including Josh Allen. Joe Brady hinted that most of his main guys may not suit up in preseason Week 2, and Allen already played in the preseason opener, so it is highly unlikely we see him here.
Sanders and Watson both have something to prove, and that gives Cleveland enough quarterback motivation to cover against Buffalo’s second-stringers and roster hopefuls.
TOP PICK
Bills vs Browns Over/Under pick: Under 36.5 points
Even with Cleveland’s quarterbacks playing, I am leaning toward the Under on the total. That does not mean it is going to be an offensive explosion from Cleveland, which managed just 10 points last week against the Chicago Bears.
I also do not expect much offense from Buffalo. Without Allen under center, the Bills’ ceiling is lower with backups Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele sharing the reps.
Unless turnovers or big special-teams plays give either offense easy scoring chances, this game should stay under 36.5.
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Bills vs Browns weather
The weather in Cleveland looks warm and partly cloudy on Saturday afternoon, with temperatures around 79–80°F throughout the game window. Winds are light-to-moderate, rising from about 6 mph to 8 mph, while rain chances increase later from 16% to 48%. There is some late-game shower risk, but conditions should be playable overall.
How to watch Bills vs Browns
| Location | Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH |
| Date | Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV | NFL Network |
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