Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets NFL Sports Betting Guide

by Zach Brunner |
Sep 14, 2019

The rematch of the very first Monday Night Football game will be an interesting one. It has been a roller coaster of a week for these two football teams. For the Cleveland Browns, they were one of the most hyped up teams in the league, with many giving them a shot at a Super Bowl. They seemed to crumble under the pressure in Week 1, barely showing up against the Titans. For the New York Jets, they won the turnover battle at home only to collapse in the second half and lose to the Bills. On top of all of this, there has been added drama to this game. Odell Beckham Jr. came out accusing Jets defensive coordinator and former Browns defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, for continuing his “Bountygate” ways. On the Jets side, quarterback Sam Darnold came down with mononucleosis, causing him to be out indefinitely. There will be plenty to talk about on Monday, but let’s first break down this game.

All odds from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Claim your FREE bet up to $500 at FanDuel Sportsbook >>

Browns vs Jets Odds and Info

All odds taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Opening Lines: CLE -1.0, O/U 46.0
Moneyline: CLE (-270) | NYJ (+230)
Spread: CLE -6.5 (-110) | NYJ +6.5 (-110)
Total: 44.5 - Over: (+100) | Under: (-120)
Location: MetLife Stadium - East Rutherford, NJ
Start Time: 8:15 pm ET
Coverage: ESPN

Injuries

Cleveland Browns: OT Kendall Lamm (Out), G Joel Bitonio (Q), WR Rashard Higgins (Q), HB Dontrell Hilliard (Q), LB Adarius Taylor (Q)
New York Jets: QB Sam Darnold (Out), RB Le’Veon Bell (P), OT Kelvin Beachum, G Brian Winters (Q), WR Braxton Berrios (Q), DT Steve McLendon (Q)

View consensus picks from 100+ experts for the Browns at Jets >>

Overview

Week 1 was a disaster for the Browns. They put up just 13 points in a game in which they seemed to beat themselves. They turned the ball over three times and committed 18 penalties for 182 yards. This lack of discipline was the biggest red flag for this team in the offseason due to all of the big personalities and a first-year head coach. Seeing how this team responds to the loss will be big in projecting them for the rest of the season. Offensively, Baker Mayfield passed for 285 yards, but he needs to protect the football and finish drives. His two main targets, OBJ and Jarvis Landry, are electric playmakers, but they are small targets that could be tough to find in the red zone. This is why the Browns have tight end David Njoku and running back Nick Chubb to lean on when the team gets down there, but they also need to lean on this attack on Monday with they do get there.

It didn’t look like things could get worse for the Jets after struggling on offense and completely collapsing to lose in Week 1. But when it rains, it pours for this organization with second-year quarterback Darnold getting sick. Starting for the team Monday will be Trevor Siemian, who did not look great when we last saw him as a starter in Denver. With Chris Herndon still suspended, Siemian will rely on Le’Veon Bell most to help move the football, with Jamison Crowder being another short-yardage option in this offense. Cleveland will need to respect Robby Anderson downfield, but it remains to be seen if Siemian will be able to get him the football. As stated previously, Gregg Williams is the defensive coordinator for this team, meaning they will be a tough, nasty defense that isn’t afraid to hit you. He should have some insight on some of the offensive players in Cleveland.

Trends

The total has hit the over in 12 of Cleveland’s last 17 games in September.
Cleveland is 1-5 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games against the Jets.
The Jets are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games.
The total has hit the over in four of the Jets’ last six games.
Cleveland leads the all-time series with the Jets, 14-12.
Last Meeting: September 20, 2018 - The Browns defeated the Jets, 21-17, at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Prop Bet

All odds taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.

First Half Total: Under 23 (-125)
Who’s ready for another low-scoring prime time game? That is what we can expect in this one, with two struggling offenses and two underrated defenses. Last week, both teams scored just six points each in their respective first halves. The Jets held Buffalo scoreless, while Cleveland gave up 12 points. Expect to see both defensive coordinators dial-up early blitzes, attempting to rattle the opposing quarterbacks and force them into mistakes, while limiting the time for downfield plays to develop.

Bottom Line

I believe the Browns will win this game, but I expect it to be a close, defensive battle. I do not believe Siemian is that big of a drop from Darnold, in all honesty. When the news regarding Darnold broke, the spread for the game moved from -2.5 to -6.5. I think the original feels much closer to me. Look for Bell to cause headaches for the Cleveland defense after they failed to contain Derrick Henry last week, giving up 159 yards to him. This game will come down to turnovers and penalties, much like last week for Cleveland.

Pick: New York Jets +6.5