New York Jets

Jets at Browns: Preview, Predictions, and More

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns

The New York Jets continue their quest back to respectability this week as they head to FirstEnergy Stadium to take on the Cleveland Browns. They enter the game with a 2-5 record, coming off of a 24-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens. New York turned to Geno Smith, only to be forced back to Ryan Fitzpatrick after Smith’s injury, which we learned was a torn ACL, sending him to injured reserve.

The Browns are having a rough year, winless after seven games. The latest loss came at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals last week, 31-17. Josh McCown returns to practice this week, and it looks more and more like he will return under center against New York this week. He takes back over for Cody Kessler, who was respectable with a 66 percent completion rate, but unable to generate a victory.

Here are the keys to getting a win for these two teams.

Keys To Victory

New York, first and foremost, must not overlook their opponent. We have all heard the term “trap” game. Facing a winless Browns team could certainly qualify. The Jets sit in a position where they could make their way back to .500 before their Week 11 bye. Including this week they face the Browns, Dolphins, and Rams. These are winnable games and it starts in Cleveland. But if they overlook them, the Browns will win their first game.

If I am Todd Bowles and Chan Gailey, my focus is attacking on the ground. Simply put, this team starts with the ground game, despite the likes of Brandon Marshall on the outside. In both of New York’s victories, Matt Forte carried the ball 30 times and eclipsed the 100-yard mark. When they got away from the running attack, they lost. Attack on the ground and let Fitzpatrick do his work coming off of the run game.

The Browns need to exploit New York’s weakness defending the deep ball. Darrelle Revis played better last week, but the team did allow a 53-yard completion to Mike Wallace. They must attack in the passing game down the field to have a chance in this one.

According to Football Outsiders, the Browns’ offensive line ranks 23rd in the league, allowing sacks at 6.8 percent. Muhammad Wilkerson may not be able to play, but Leonard Williams is coming into his own in his sophomore season. He is on pace for a double-digit sack performance and is on his way to making Mike Maccagnan a very smart man. The Browns must find a way to protect McCown. If the Jets get to him with any regularity it will be a long afternoon for Cleveland.

Odds

Point Spread: New York -3
Moneyline: New York -150, Cleveland +130
Over/Under: 43.5

Prediction

New York is favored for the second straight week, and every game is important for them to maintain their slim playoff hopes. Cleveland will stay in this one. I believe they will connect deep at least once with Corey Coleman, giving New York a problem. But, Todd Bowles will have these guys so focused that they win the game with room to spare.

Pick: New York Jets: 21, Cleveland Browns: 14