The Browns and Jets were two of the most hyped teams in the NFL with high expectations to contend for AFC playoff spots. That was before they both suffered deflating home losses to open the 2019 season.
Cleveland got ripped by Tennessee 43-16. New York blew a 13-point fourth-quarter lead, losing to Buffalo 17-16.
So how will the teams respond on Monday night (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN) in Week 2? Here's a breakdown of the prime-time matchup:
MORE: Get the latest NFL odds at Sportsbook Review
Betting odds for 'Monday Night Football'
- Spread: Browns -6.5
- Point total: 44
- Odds: Browns -105, Jets -105
The Browns opened as 1-point favorites but those odds have since ballooned to -6 1/2 after news Jets quarterback Sam Darnold will not play due to mono. The point total for over/under has ranged between 44 to 46. Both teams are at -105 entering the weekend.
Browns vs. Jets all-time series
The Browns hosted the Jets in the first-ever Monday night game on Sept. 21, 1970. That also was the first of 26 games between the teams, in which Browns hold a slight series lead, 14-12.
Before Baker Mayfield rallied the Browns over the Jets in a Thursday night game last Sept. 20, the Browns had lost five consecutive games in the rare rivalry. They are favored to make it two in a row.
Three trends to know
— Ever since the Jets ruled out starting quarterback Sam Darnold on Wednesday and the line jumped to make the Browns a solid, near-touchdown favorite, the action has been heavy on the Browns, with 65 percent going with them to cover the spread.
— The point total has gone over only 4 times in the teams' past 11 meetings.
— The Jets have gone 2-1 straight up and against the spread vs. the Browns in the past three seasons.
Three things to watch
Trevor Siemian and Adam Gase
Siemian signed with the Jets on the recommendation of Peyton Manning, who was once Gase's starting quarterback in the Broncos' record-breaking scoring season. He'll be the starter for the foreseeable future with Darnold battling a bad bout of mononucleosis. The Jets were checkdown-heavy against the Bills' pass rush last week. Siemian is well versed in the offense from his time in Denver and there may not be a big drop off in the overall execution, based on the passing game limitations.
Odell Beckham Jr. and Gregg Williams
Beckham called out Williams for dirty defensive play from his teams in the past. Williams brushed that off in his response. The Browns' wide receiver, in his first game with his new team, battled through a hip injury to post modest production as a No. 1. The Jets' defensive coordinator, in his first game with his new team, got big plays early but gave up a big lead late. There's a lot to prove here. Look for Beckham to win the battle, given the Jets are weak at cornerback with Trumaine Johnson and others.
Le'Veon Bell and Nick Chubb
Bell (shoulder) got a precautionary MRI, but unlike Darnold, he will suit up in Week 2. The Jets should lean even more on him as a runner and outlet receiver with no Darnold. His counterpart, Chubb, was solid in a tough spot against the Titans and should get more work, especially if backup Dontrell Hilliard (concussion) can't be cleared. Both teams proved to be vulnerable to versatile backs last week.
Stat that matters
When Mayfield doesn't turn over the ball, he wins as a young quarterback. He is 2-7 when he throws at least one interception in a game. He is 5-1 when he avoids such mistakes.
Browns vs. Jets prediction
The Jets look like a mess, but Darnold isn't that much of a difference-maker yet. This team will be involved in a lot of ugly games with an improved, takeaway-forcing defense and a more grinding offense with Gase. The Browns clean up things from Week 1, but they're not yet in position to dominate a road game in desperation mode.
Final score
Browns 23, Jets 17
