WATCH: Five most exciting Monday Night Football games in Jets history
Monday night's matchup between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns falls on the 50th anniversary of when the two teams first met -- in the inaugural debut of Monday Night Football on Sept. 21, 1970.
In honor of the historic anniversary, let's take a look at the top five Monday Night Football matchups of all-time for the Jets.
5. Jets 48, Lions 17 - Sept. 10, 2018
After throwing an interception on the first pass attempt of his career, Sam Darnold displayed remarkable poise once he settled in. In front of a national audience, Darnold proved why the Jets selected him with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Behind an impressive showing from running back Isaiah Crowell, Darnold threw for 198 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception in his rookie debut.
4. Jets 20, Colts 7 - Sept. 21, 2015
Memorable for a multitude of reasons, this epic Jets victory had it all -- from five Colts' turnovers, to Ryan Fitzpatrick out-dueling Andrew Luck.
Fitzpatrick finished the game 22 for 34 for 224 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception.
Calvin Pryor, Darrelle Revis and Marcus Gilchrist each picked off Luck. Luck and Frank Gore fumbles accounted for the other two turnovers.
3. Jets 30, Falcons 28 - Oct. 7, 2013
In perhaps the best performance of his career, oft-maligned quarterback Geno Smith slayed the mighty Atlanta Falcons in front of the football world.
In an unexpected display of offensive explosion, Smith went score-for-score with Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. In fact, Smith nearly played the perfect game.
The 2013 second-round pick was 16 for 20 for 199 yards and 3 touchdowns, and put the team in position for Nick Folk to kick the go-ahead field goal in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
2. Browns 31, Jets 21 - Sept. 21, 1970
The first game in Monday Night Football history holds a special place in Jets lore.
Though the outcome wasn't in favor of Gang Green, it's the historic element that warranted top consideration.
Joe Namath passed for 298 yards, a touchdown and 3 interceptions in the 31-21 loss. But it was the effective rushing tandem of Matt Snell and Emerson Boozer that powered the offense that September night. Snell accounted for 108 yards and Boozer scored 2 touchdowns.
Ultimately, a 94-yard kickoff return touchdown by Homer Jones and a 25-yard interception return by Billie Andrews proved to be too much for the Jets to overcome.
1. Jets 40, Dolphins 37 - Oct. 23, 2000
Largely considered to be one of the best games in NFL history, this game featured a comeback for the ages.
Suffering a 23-point deficit going into the fourth quarter, the Jets rallied to score 23 unanswered points in the final quarter to tie the game at 30.
The Dolphins went ahead with a late touchdown strike from quarterback Jay Fiedler to receiver Leslie Shepherd, but the Jets answered with a touchdown pass to tackle-eligible John "Jumbo" Elliott.
In overtime, Jets safety Marcus Coleman intercepted Fiedler. On the ensuing drive, Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde completed a pass into Dolphins territory, putting them in field goal range. Jets kicker John Hall kicked the game-winning field goal.
