Monday Night Football Season 44 Episode 23 Preseason: Cleveland Browns at Washington Redskins (LIVE)

Preseason football is upon us, and on Monday Night Football, the Cleveland Browns travel to Washington D.C. to take on the Redskins. This game may not count in the standings, but for players fighting for a spot on the final roster, it means everything.

The Browns are in a period of transition, with a new coach in Freddie Kitchens, a new star wide receiver in Odell Beckham Jr., and a second-year quarterback in Baker Mayfield who is looking to build on an impressive rookie campaign. Even though they went 0-16 in 2017, the Browns showed signs of progress last year, finishing 7-8-1 and winning their final five home games.

Beckham, who was acquired from the New York Giants in the offseason, is arguably the most talented receiver in the league, but he's had a quiet preseason so far. The Browns will be looking to get him involved early against a Redskins defense that ranked 15th in the league in passing yards allowed last year.

Mayfield, who set the rookie record for touchdown passes last season despite not starting until Week 4, has already shown he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback. However, he'll need to take care of the ball better after throwing 14 interceptions in 13 games last year.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Browns have some concerns at the linebacker position after trading away Jamie Collins Sr. and not pursuing a veteran replacement in free agency. Rookie fifth-round pick Mack Wilson has been impressive in training camp, however, and will look to earn a starting role with a solid performance on Monday night.

As for the Washington Redskins, they are also in a period of transition. Quarterback Alex Smith suffered a season-ending injury last year and the team is still searching for a long-term solution at the position. This offseason, they traded for Case Keenum and drafted Ohio State's Dwayne Haskins in the first round. While Keenum will likely start the season opener, Haskins has been impressive in training camp and could push for playing time down the road.

The Redskins have a talented defense, led by three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Ryan Kerrigan and shutdown corner Josh Norman. They finished ninth in the league in total defense last year, but will need to improve against the run after ranking 17th in rushing yards allowed. The Browns have a talented backfield with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, who will serve an eight-game suspension to start the season.

Ultimately, this game is about evaluating talent and getting ready for the regular season. Both teams have high hopes for the upcoming year, but know there is still work to be done. With the lights shining bright on Monday Night Football, the Browns and Redskins will look to put on a show for fans watching at home.