NFL Free Pick: Jets vs Browns
Scott Morris | September 20, 2018
NFL Thursday Night Football features the New York Jets visiting the Cleveland Browns with the Browns 0-18-1 in the last 19 games favored at home for just the first time since 2015.
The current line on top sportsbooks has Cleveland (-3) with the over/under point total on 39.5.
Cleveland is coming off another tough loss of 21-18 to New Orleans in which Zane Gonzalez missed two field goals and has now missed four on the season. The second miss by Gonzalez on Sunday was in the late stages of the game.
The Browns cut Gonzalez at the start of the week and signed Greg Joseph as the new kicker. Cleveland also traded disgruntled wide out Josh Gordon to the Patriots for a 2019 fifth round pick in the NFL Draft.
Baker Mayfield, the overall number one pick in this year’s NFL Draft is still not playing for the Browns, but the No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold is. The Jets quarterback became the youngest player in the NFL to throw for 300 yards in one game in the Jets 20-12 loss on Sunday to the Miami Dolphins.
Jets receiver Quincy Enunwa appears to be Darnold’s favorite target as Enunwa has caught 13 passes for 155 yards and one touchdown. Former Cleveland quarterback turned wide receiver Terrelle Pryor caught four receptions for 83 yards against Detroit in Week 1.
New York running back Isaiah Crowell rushed for 102 yard and two touchdowns September 10 against Detroit by managed to gain only 35 yards last week in the Jets lost to the Dolphins.
Jets safety Marcus Maye is doubtful for the game with a foot injury.
Browns quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw a 47-yard TD pass with just over one minute remaining to Antonio Callaway last week before New Orleans kicked the go-ahead field less than 60 seconds later.
Cleveland running back Carlos Hyde has scored touchdowns in four consecutive games and rushed for 193 yards, his career high, in his only game against the Jets.
Jarvis Landry, the new go-to receiver for the Browns has posted three games of 90 or more receiving yards and a TD out of the last five against the Jets.
Prediction: The Browns have had the opportunity to win both games this season but stand at 0-1-1. However, against the Jets, Cleveland will have one of its best opportunities this season to post a win. The Browns defense should contain Sam Darnold with constant pressure, while the offense led by Tyrod Taylor will score enough to give the Browns a 21-17 win. Bet this now at a trusted sportsbook
