The New York Jets will look to silence the critics following an 0-1 start to the 2022 season when they visit the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday afternoon in Week 2.
The Browns — who won their season opener via a last-minute field goal against Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers — now seek their first 2-0 start since 1993. Can they win and cover as sizable favorites?
Find out in our free NFL picks and predictions for Jets vs Browns on Sunday, September 18.
Jets vs Browns best odds
Jets vs Browns picks and predictions
The Jets gave arguably the most listless performance of any team in Week 1 behind Joe Flacco, who will once again quarterback this club with Zach Wilson still on the mend.
The Browns earned their first Week 1 win since 2004 over the Panthers last week and should prevail in their homecoming clash on Sunday afternoon. Flacco threw 59 times in New York’s 24-9 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens, completing 37 passes but averaging only 5.2 yards per attempt. He had a 1/1 TD/INT ratio, with the lone trip to the end zone coming in garbage time.
The Jets have allocated an NFL-high $47.8 million to its offensive line this season, and injuries to Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown aside, this unit was a disappointing 23rd in Week 1 by pressures allowed on passing plays (20 of 62, 32.2%). It could be another monster day for Myles Garrett, who had two sacks and a forced fumble last Sunday.
The Browns’ offense has a low expectation for explosive plays with Jacoby Brissett under center, but Cleveland just needs to control the clock and take advantage of New York's mistakes in order to win and cover. Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt should do a masterful job in that department this week.
Chubb rushed for 146 yards on 22 carries in Week 1, picking up six first downs and breaking off two scampers of 20 yards or more. Hunt went for 46 yards and a touchdown on 11 rushes and added 24 yards and another score on four pass receptions.
The Jets did a decent job containing a Ravens run game that was missing J.K. Dobbins, but this is a much taller order. New York struggled against tailbacks in 2021, allowing the fourth-most rushing yards and the second-highest receiving yards in the NFL.
My best bet: Browns -6.5 (-107 at PointsBet)
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Jets vs Browns betting preview
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•Spread analysis •Over/Under analysis •Game info •Injuries •Weather •Trend to know
Spread analysis
The Jets are a woeful 5-13 against the spread in their last 18 games as an underdog, and 6-21-1 ATS in their last 28 games played in September. “Gang Green” is also 16-35-3 ATS in its last 54 road games.
The Browns have covered in four of their last five games played in September, and are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games against teams with losing road records. It’s also worth noting that the betting favorite is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings between these two squads.
Over/Under analysis
In a battle between an offense lacking punch and another that wants to lean on its run game as much as possible, it’s easy to see why the total opened at a low number and just keeps dropping. The opening line of 42.0 has been pounded down by sharps and squares alike to 39.5 at the majority of sportsbooks, with some even dropping the line to 39.0.
For the first 59 minutes of game time in Week 1, Flacco and Co. managed only three points against a Baltimore defense that allowed the eighth-most yards per game (363.3) a year ago. Cleveland held its own against Baker Mayfield and Christian McCaffrey in Carolina last Sunday, so they should be able to stifle the Jets’ offense at home.
Brissett was just about what everyone thought he was in the win, completing only 52.9 percent of his passes for a modest 147 yards and a touchdown. Though taking on the Jets in front of a friendly crowd looks like an easier assignment, don’t expect head coach Kevin Stefanski to let Brissett air it out in this one when he has Chubb and Hunt at his disposal.
Trend bettors should note that the Under has cashed in five straight games involving the Jets in September, and six straight in which the Browns are facing a team with a losing record.
Jets vs Browns game info
• Location: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH
• Date: Sunday, September 18, 2022
• Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
• TV: CBS
Jets vs Browns key injuries
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Jets vs Browns weather
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Jets vs Browns betting trend to know
The Under is 5-1 in the Browns’ last six home games. Find more NFL betting trends for Jets vs Browns. Find more NFL betting trends for Jets vs. Browns.
