Browns favored? LOL!

The Browns have come through for backers in two straight games (2-0 ATS despite being 0-1-1 SU) and are now favored over the Jets in Thursday night’s prime-time matchup.

But this is the time to fade the Browns. Teams that are used to being an underdog don’t usually respond well when thrust in the role of favorite (see: Chargers -3¹/2 vs. the Chiefs in Week 1 and, frankly, the Jets -3 vs. the Dolphins this past Sunday).

Now, the Jets are back in their comfort zone of the overlooked underdog with something to prove (which is funny as it’s strange to see the Browns as the “hot” team as they’re 1-32-1 SU in the last two-plus years under Hue Jackson, and 1-35-1 in their last 37 games overall, which makes this spread more puzzling). Despite Todd Bowles’ subpar, back-to-back 5-11 season, we still give the Jets the coaching edge, plus the staff is very familiar with Cleveland QB Tyrod Taylor from his last three years in Buffalo.

We’re getting the better team (I have the Jets higher in my power ratings, plus the stats bear it out as the Jets have gained more yards and points than the Browns on offense (and don’t forget Cleveland scored only 18 points against a Saints defense that allowed 48 to Tampa Bay the week before) while allowing fewer yards and points on defense. The only thing the Browns have done better is a league-leading eight takeaways, but the Jets are No. 2 with seven, so that’s a wash. As long as Sam Darnold takes care of the ball, the Jets should be back in the winner’s circle with a win that will hard to be call an upset even if it technically is.

THE PLAY: Jets +3 (but see if +3¹/2 becomes available before gametime).