Jets vs. Browns: Preview, score prediction for Week 5
New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns
Most would’ve predicted entering the 2017 season that a Week 5 matchup between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns would be a matchup between winless clubs. However, that’s not the case coming into this game. As they head into FirstEnergy Stadium, only one is winless — the home team.
The Browns have had their share of struggles to start the season. This was never a playoff team by any stretch, but one that should show promise. With injuries and letdowns, though, the team has seen scarce signs of optimism. That could change on Sunday, however, as No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett will make his pro debut.
As for the Jets, they’ve shockingly won their last two outings, moving to 2-2. Interestingly enough, that may not have actually been in their plans as the tank was supposed to be on. Even still, they’ve shown more signs than Cleveland to this point.
Keys to Victory
For the Browns at home, they are going to need to win with defense. It’s no great secret that the Jets offense has plenty of shortcomings. However, Cleveland’s defense was supposed to be the strength of a young team. Due to injuries, though, that hasn’t happened.
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With the debut of Garrett, though, that should be the case. The rookie may not have played a down in the regular season, but he’s that impactful already. Even if he’s on a snap-limit, he has the ability to affect the game enough right away to alleviate pressure for the rest of the unit. If that happens, that also allows the offense to run as designed, with the least amount of responsibility possible for DeShone Kizer.
Then there’s the Jets. Considering what the Browns offense has looked like thus far in 2017, their defense should be able to find a fair amount of success. The much bigger key for Gang Green will be how their offense operates. In the win over Jacksonville last week, they showed how they can control the game running the ball. What’s more, that puts less in the hands of Josh McCown, which is what they should strive to do.
Odds
Point Spread: New York -1.5
Moneyline: New York -125, Cleveland +105
Over/Under: 41
Odds via Sportsbook Review
Next: NFL 2017: 20 Bold predictions for Week 5
Prediction
Though the Jets have been hot over the past two weeks as the Browns have struggled, I truly believe Garrett is the key to Cleveland showing more promise. He changes the complexion of the defense, which was supposed to be their strength. And though their offense will continue to have its shortcomings, that’ll be enough to get into the win column for Cleveland.
Final Score: New York Jets: 10, Cleveland Browns: 16