Browns vs. Jets: Preview and Prediction

It's a Thursday Night Football clash between dominant defenses as the Browns welcome the Jets to the shores of Lake Erie for a chance to earn a playoff berth if they can earn their fourth win in a row.

What a night it could be in Cleveland, Ohio if the Browns could punch their ticket to the playoffs in front of the hometown faithful. It won't be easy though, even against a New York squad that certainly hasn't had the season it expected to have when it traded for Aaron Rodgers during the offseason. At 6-9, they're out of the playoff picture but still a tough matchup for anyone given the elite defense they possess.

The Jets defense ranks second only to Cleveland in passing yards allowed per game, they're third in total yards allowed per game and defensive EPA. They rank among the top 10 in interceptions forced and sacks as well. They're a tough unit, but conversely they're offense has been rudderless without Rodgers, rotating between Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian and Tim Boyle since Rodgers went down with a ruptured Achilles in Week 1.

It'll be Siemian getting the nod in this one looking to prolong the Browns postseason aspirations just a little bit longer. Meanwhile, Joe Flacco looks to exact a little revenge against his former team and finish off one of the best stories going in football this year with a trip to the playoffs for Cleveland.

What Would Have To Happen For The Browns To Miss The Playoffs?

Anthony Moeglin: Browns 41, Jets 17

This one has the potential to be one of those nights that Browns fans remember for the rest of their lives. Cleveland has a chance to clinch a playoff spot in front of a packed Cleveland Browns Stadium and I think Kevin Stefanski is going to put an exclamation point on this. I expect Joe Flacco to light it up through the air, the receivers to have a big game and the defense to get one, maybe even two scores. This is going to be a fun one, Browns in a rout.

Anthony Poisal: Browns 30, Jets 10

The last three weeks have been special for the Browns, and it's led to what should be an unforgettable night Thursday in Cleveland. There's no reason to believe Joe Flacco or the elite defense will slow down against the Jets, and the rest of the NFL should be considering the Browns as the team no one wants to face in the playoffs after they officially secure their ticket on a primetime stage.

Spencer German: Browns 28, Jets 12

The Jets defense has kept them in practically every game this year and don't get it twisted, they're really, really good. But it's their anemic offense that gives me pause to believe they have much of a chance in this game. Led by Trevor Siemian – this week anyway – that side of the ball will struggle against the Browns defense, so much that even if Cleveland's offense struggles for longer stretches, they'll eventually get it going. This could be an ugly game in the first half with an explosion of points coming for Cleveland in the second half. There's also the extra motivation of clinching a playoff berth that will be driving the Browns and behind that hometown crowd I don't see how they could possibly lose this game in a season that has tested the team and this fan base more than usual.