Week 3 of preseason is unlike any other time of the NFL schedule.
When else would two rival coaches call each other and share their game plans?
That’s what we’re getting – or not getting – from the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns in their exhibition finale Thursday night.
My Patriots vs. Browns predictions do their best to navigate the closing slate of preseason games, giving you my best NFL picks for Aug. 27.
Patriots vs Browns prediction
Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.
Start trading with Kalshi today!
Sign up now using our exclusive Kalshi promo code 'COVERS35' and trade $25 on any event contracts — including NFL preseason to get $35!
*Eligible U.S. locations only
TOP PICK
Who will win Patriots vs Browns: Patriots
New Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken told the media he talked to New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel before Thursday’s contest and the two agreed not to play their starters in this final preseason game.
That means Monken will not only sit QB1 Deshaun Watson but also backup Shedeur Sanders, opting for Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green to share snaps.
Gabriel has thrown nine passes (completing five for just 23 yards) over 19 snaps in the first two preseason outings while Green is getting his first taste of summer work.
The Patriots go to QB2 Tommy DeVito and third-stringer Behren Morton, with the latter of the two likely get the bulk of snaps into the second half.
That pair combined for 21-of-32 passing for 248 yards with two touchdowns in the Week 2 win over Philadelphia.
Knowing the starters aren’t going, New England’s QB situation provides some stability in a very unpredictable preseason slot.
Patriots vs Browns Over/Under pick: Under 34.5
The offensive line for the Patriots took hits during the summer work and was running thin heading into Week 2, leading to four sacks allowed to the Eagles.
Coach Vrabel is being very conscious of his team’s depth heading toward the regular season, so don’t expect better play from the pass protection and likely an uptick in handoffs after he ran 32 and 33 times in the preseason openers.
Cleveland is in a similar boat with injuries thinning out its depth this preseason. The Browns have struggled to score in the exhibition outings, amassing a collective 17 points in the first two games and the bulk of gains came with Watson and Sanders under center.
Neither team wants to tip their hand when it comes to their playbooks, so expect a very vanilla set up from each offense.
The Browns have finished Over the total in their first two 2026 preseason showings, but not due to their offense. The Patriots went Over in Week 2, scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter.
Patriots vs Browns live odds
More Covers NFL tools
Patriots vs Browns weather
The forecast for Cleveland calls for mostly clear skies and temperatures in the low 70s with winds barely blowing west at 6 mph. Weather won't have any impact Thursday night.
How to watch Patriots vs Browns
| Location | Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH |
| Date | Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video |
Patriots vs Browns latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
