Cleveland at Detroit

Cleveland has a new coach, Mike Pettine, and first-year coaches often want to impress, even in preseason. He also has a tremendous defense, #8 in the NFL against the pass last year and #18 against the run. And on offense, the QB rotation is impressive with Brian Hoyer listed as the No. 1 quarterback, followed by Johnny Manziel, veteran Tyler Thigpen, and rookie Connor Shaw. This defense was outstanding in preseason last year as the team went 3-1 SU/ATS allowing 19, six, and 16 points in the wins (17 points per game overall). One of those wins was over this Detroit team 24-6, with an edge in yards 313-217. Most of the Cleveland passes were thrown by Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell, both gone, so the QB situation is much better this season. The Lions also have a new coach in mild-mannered Jim Caldwell. He's a disciple of Tony Dungy, who never cared about preseason. And note that Caldwell is 4-8 ATS in August as a head coach. The Lions have some defensive injury concerns with CB Darius Slay and DE Ziggy Ansah out. Cleveland is 4-0 ATS the last four years in week one of the preseason, so grab the improved dog and play the Browns.