It would be difficult to say that the struggles of the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets are anything but expected. Two of the worst teams in the AFC this season, the rebuilds are going to take a while. Who has the upper hand in this battle of basement dwellers?
Cleveland is a 1.5-point road favorite and -130 on the moneyline, while New York is +110 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at 37.5 points. Let’s dig into a preview and prediction for this Browns-Jets contest.
Browns vs. Jets Preview, Prediction
Cleveland’s defense has been a pleasant surprise this season, all things considered. Its stout run defense has given a few teams problems behind impressive rookie Mason Graham and some excellent linebacking. Of course, Myles Garrett gets to the quarterback better than any defensive end in the game, and that hasn’t changed. Don’t ask him: ask his peers.
The question for Cleveland is how much it can get out of starting rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. He’s got a great running back in Quinshon Judkins to take some pressure off, but the production has not been there. Gabriel is throwing for only 171 yards per game on less than five yards per attempt.
Perhaps facing one of the worst defenses in football can fix what ails the Browns. New York brought in Aaron Glenn to cultivate a defensive identity, and so far, the team is in the bottom 10 in rushing and passing yards allowed per attempt. Remarkably, the Jets have managed to force only one turnover through nine games. It’s not going to get any easier for this defense without Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, both traded at the deadline.
If New York wins this game, it’ll be due to its running game. Breece Hall and Justin Fields have been an effective rushing duo all season long despite the lack of a passing game. They’ll need to rip off chunk gains against a stout Cleveland front seven.
Browns vs. Jets Preview, Prediction
It’s wild to feel that a 2-6 team has a considerable advantage, but the Browns do. Even on the road, they have defensive playmakers you can lean on and an explosive lead back in Judkins. Cleveland will deliver its third win of the season against a hapless Jets team.
