Browns vs Jets NFL Week 2 Spread & Betting Preview

Cleveland will appear on Monday Night Football for the first time since 2015 against the team that they faced in the very first Monday Night Football broadcast in 1970 — the New York Jets. The Browns still have not won a season opener since 2004, though, as they were demolished, 43-13, by Tennessee in their opener. Baker Mayfield threw three interceptions, including a pick six, and the Browns had 18 penalties in that game, the most they had committed in a game since 1951. The game would have been a lot closer except for three turnovers in the fourth quarter, leading to 21 points for the Titans. New York also fell to Buffalo at home in their opener, taking a 16-0 lead, only to see that lead evaporate and turn into a 17-16 loss. Which young team will get its first win of the season this coming Monday? Review our NFL betting preview as you consider your wagers.

Browns vs Jets NFL Week 2 Spread & Betting Preview

Freddie Kitchens is confident in his players and moving onto Week 2 📰» https://t.co/6FcUlW224P pic.twitter.com/4b6BcFaGnH

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 9, 2019

When: Monday, September 16, 8:15pm ET Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ TV: ESPN Radio: Westwood One Live Stream: NFL Game Pass NFL Odds: Cleveland -2.5 / O/U 45.5 

Why should you bet on the Browns?

Did you really think the Browns would go 16-0? Sure, they looked dreadful at times against the Jets, but with a second-year quarterback and an offensive line that is down to its third-string left tackle, there were going to be growing pains. Mayfield did have a touchdown pass to go with his three picks, and tailback Nick Chubb rumbled for 75 yards. Odell Beckham Jr. caught seven passes for 71 yards in his Cleveland debut. If you like the Browns, there is a lot of talent supporting you — but the execution was not there in Week 1. Cleveland has covered six times in their last eight games coming after a game in which they did not cover. They are just 2-6 against the spread in their last eight games on Monday night, but since it has been four seasons since their last appearance in that time slot, I would not give that number a lot of credence. Mayfield will click with his offense, as long as the O-line can find ways to protect his back when he drops back to pass.

Why should you put your money on the Jets?

The J-E-T-S did run out to a 16-0 lead over Buffalo, getting 175 yards from quarterback Sam Darnold, who also had a touchdown pass. However, his offensive line struggled to protect him as well, as a few of his passes were knocked down at the line. Tailback Le’Veon Bell accounted for 92 yards, 60 on the ground and 32 on receptions. The problems for the Jets came in the fourth quarter, when the defense fell off the table and permitted 14 points, as the Bills ran off the last 17 points of the game to steal the win. New York has not covered in any of their last six home games. They have not bounced back well from failing to cover the spread either, with a 1-5 record against the spread in the game after they did not cover. They have not covered in any of their last four games in September. If you like the Jets, you think that the offense centered around Darnold and Bell will continue to improve, and that the revamped defense will stop Cleveland’s offense by focusing on rushing the passer and clogging the line on running plays.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Both of these teams have high ceilings. On paper, the Browns have the better offense — until you factor in their injuries at left tackle. Unless the Browns can figure out how to plug that hole, either by moving other linemen around or changing their blocking scheme, this could keep them from contending in the AFC. Given the issues that the Jets have, though, it is hard to see the Browns not bouncing back and delivering the win. I predict a final score of Cleveland 20, New York 16.