Jets vs. Browns Prediction
Can the Cleveland Browns get that elusive first win of the season today when they host the New York Jets at 1PM ET?
According to the oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Jets are favored on the road in this game, as New York is getting odds of -2.5 points against the Browns. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 44 points. The Jets have won and covered the spread in their last three meetings with the Browns.
The Jets are coming off a nice 24-16 win over the Ravens last week to snap a four-game losing streak. They are now 2-5 on the year and 2-5 against the spread, covering the spread in both of their wins. The team benched Ryan Fitzpatrick heading into the Baltimore game, but Geno Smith suffered an injury during the contest and Fitzpatrick had to carry the team to a win. He went 9-for-14 passing in the game with 120 yards and a touchdown. For the season, he has just six TDs and 11 INTs with 1,561 yards passing. He is leading an offense that is averaging just 17 points and 342.4 yards per game. Defensively, the Jets are giving up 25.7 points and 370.9 yards per contest, including nearly 300 passing yards per game.
Cleveland suffered a 31-17 loss at Cincinnati last week to fall to 0-7 on the year. The Browns are just 2-5 against the spread, as they have had four losses by double figures. Cleveland is expecting Josh McCown back under center today. He may be able to help an offense that is averaging just 18.6 points per game. He has thrown for 260 yards and two touchdowns in his limited action in 2016 due to a broken collarbone. Isaiah Crowell has been the offensive leader with 495 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Cleveland is allowing 29.6 points and 437 yards per game. However, the unit expects CB Joe Haden back after he has missed the last two weeks with a groin injury. He has two interceptions on the year.
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The Jets haven’t been much to be excited about and now we are being asked to give away points with them on the road. While Cleveland certainly hasn’t been good, the Browns have shown flashes of respectability at home. Having McCown back should help the Cleveland offense be stronger in the air, which could open up things for Crowell on the ground. I’d take a chance on Cleveland to finally get that first win of the season today.
NFL WEEK 8 PREDICTION: CLEVELAND BROWNS +2.5