New York Jets at Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH
Sunday, November 14, 2010, 1:00 pm EDT, TV: CBS
Opening Line: Jets -3.5
Current Line: Jets -3
Opening Total: 36.5
Current Total: 38
Money Line: Jets -175 / Browns +155
The upstart Cleveland Browns (3-5) will try to beat a Super Bowl contender for the third time in as many games on Sunday when they host the New York Jets (6-2). After knocking off defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans and then New England by an average of 16.5 points, the Browns hope to exact some revenge against one of their former players and could have a couple of secret weapons on the sideline when they square off against the favored Jets (-3).
Not only did Cleveland head coach Eric Mangini nearly lead New York to the playoffs a couple years ago, but his defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is the twin brother of current Jets head coach Rex Ryan. Add controversial wide receiver Braylon Edwards to the mix, and this game could have almost the same amount of drama as a Minnesota Vikings practice or press conference.
Edwards was dealt to New York from the Browns last season after just four games, with the trade coincidentally taking place the day following an incident outside a Cleveland nightclub when he reportedly punched one of LeBron James’ friends. The hometown fans no doubt will greet Edwards with a chorus of boos and treat him like James when he returns in early December.
Regardless, second-year quarterback Mark Sanchez seems to be coming of age for the Jets after he rallied them back for a 23-20 overtime win at Detroit last week. Sanchez completed 22 of 39 passes for 323 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Lions, hooking up with Edwards and Santonio Holmes a combined eight times for 192 yards. Running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene totaled 101 rushing yards on 25 carries between them, making Sanchez the clear difference maker.
The Browns have made Pro Bowl quarterbacks Drew Brees and Tom Brady look mortal in their last two games, so it remains to be seen how Sanchez will fare against them. Brees threw four interceptions – including two that were returned for touchdowns by David Bowens – in a 30-17 loss while Brady was practically outplayed by rookie Colt McCoy last week in a 34-14 rout.
Cleveland running back Peyton Hillis has been the real story behind the team’s offensive success though and will be facing the fourth-best run defense in the NFL. New York is allowing 87.4 yards per game on the ground and has surrendered only three rushing touchdowns. Hillis rushed for 184 yards on 29 carries and scored twice against the Pats, and he also turned in a strong game in a 24-17 loss at Baltimore in Week 3 with 144 yards and a touchdown.
The Browns are 4-2 against the spread in their last six games with the OVER cashing in three straight along with five of six. The Jets have lost two in a row ATS following five straight covers during their season-high five-game winning streak. The OVER is 6-1 in New York’s last seven.
Now that you have read this sports betting preview, check out the NFL odds on all the games and compare the best lines at multiple sportsbooks. Also if you are betting the week 10 card, check out the weekly NFL picks Maddux is offering.
