Why the Jets Will Beat the Browns on TNF
After all the upsets delivered by the NFL week 2 turnout, pundits have started paying attention to the smaller fish in the league. One such case is the upcoming Thursday night game between the New York Jets (1-1) and Cleveland Browns (0-1-1). The match will begin by 8:20 pm ET, and will be exclusively broadcast by the NFL Network from the FirstEnergy Stadium.
Rocky Second Show for the Jets
New York’s most recent loss to Miami (20-12) brought all hopes down for a positive season start for the Jets, which came just a few days later to their massive victory over the Detroit Lions on week 1.
Some of the responsibility may be placed upon Sam Darnold, who, despite all his best intentions, showed his relative inexperience with several mismanaged situations during both matches, including a field-goal opportunity that fell off clock time by the end of the first half. The same Darnold had been snubbed by the Browns during the draft season and readily collected by the Jets once the Giants had also turned him down. He may not be the most effective player in the NFL today, but he is expected to grow in stature and aid the Jets in landing a more respected spot.
Browns hanging by a Thread
Cleveland’s report card has been filled with mishaps. Starting from that odd decision of passing on Sam Darnold for the QB post, they’ve seen Zane Gonzalez miss some valuable kicks in both defeats before New Orleans and Pittsburgh. Additionally, the Browns finally got rid of receiver Josh Gordon, who had been making headlines about drug abuse throughout his 6 year-relationship with Cleveland; he had been left out for the match versus the Saints and was later reported with a hamstring injury that originated in some type of publicity stint. The New England Patriots will now take over Gordon and his poor disciplinary record.
Repeating Trends
The case for the Jets may begin with their long history of wins over the Browns, on the road and at home, having secured humble victories over Cleveland during 2015, 16 and last year as well. However, this is the first time that the Browns have taken on the favorite team post in over 3 years. Our friends at YOUWAGER currently feature Cleveland at a -3 point spread, with a 39 pts o/u.
The reasons behind this choice may be successfully traced to Darnold’s rookie mistakes and little else. In reality, both Darnold and Browns QB Tyrod Taylor have scored a total 3 touchdowns so far in the season; the Jets have allowed about 18.5 points per game, against a slightly greater 21 points per game for the Browns. Lastly, Hue Jackson’s team is dealing with a long losing streak that extended throughout the entire 2017 season and seems likely to go on during 2018. The New York Jets carry a 4-1 ATS record during their last 5 encounters at Cleveland’s home.
Why pick the Jets? Despite Sunday’s setback with the Dolphins, New York appears determined to provide us with a more impactful and meaningful season; Darnold can’t be expected to deliver good results so early on but is surely headed for a bright future in pro football. Whichever direction the game takes, I will take Jets on the plus; if a gap opens up by the very end on Cleveland’s favor, I prefer to have 3 points to make up for any last minute field-goal faux-pas’.
- Adrian Chase, Gambling911.com Special Contributor
