Jets vs. Browns prediction: NFL odds, picks, bets for Thursday
Joe Flacco’s comeback story is gaining hotter traction by the week.
After slinging a franchise receiving record of 265 yards to Amari Cooper in the 36-22 triumph over Houston, Flacco gets a chance to add another feather in his cap in a timely matchup against his previous employer.
Some will spin it as a revenge game against the Jets given that they ghosted their former three-year backup quarterback even in desperation at the position this season.
But regardless if that plays as incentive or not, a victory will secure the Browns a spot in the AFC playoff picture.
Flacco’s arrival has fortuitously been the offensive improvement Cleveland didn’t know it needed.
After four games, he has surpassed Deshaun Watson as the team’s passing leader with 1,307 yards.
The 38-year-old has thrown for 1,000-plus yards in three straight victories only one other time in his career and that was back in his 2012 Super Bowl campaign with the Ravens.
He had six passing touchdowns in that streak; he has eight amidst this current run.
Beyond Flacco, this Browns secondary continues to shine. It allows a league-low 160.1 air yards.
The defense has been especially stout at home, yielding 13.1 points, which also leads the league.
It’s the No. 1 overall unit in defensive DVOA and I don’t see Trevor Siemian coming to town and shaking it up.
Siemian’s lone touchdown and 217 passing yards was enough to edge Washington’s horrific coverage, but he still threw an interception and lost a fumble.
On that note, the Jets have 28 fumbles this season, which is tied for the league’s most.
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Robert Saleh hasn’t produced any positive results when preparing the Jets on short rest; he’s 0-5 both SU and ATS, failing to cover the spread by a 10.3-point average.
The two 30-plus point showings in their last three games compounded with an admirable defense keeps this line closer than what the matchup reflects.
The Jets are 1-4-1 ATS on the road and that record should only magnify after Flacco prints another edition of bold headlines in Cleveland.
