Browns primed to down Jets, end futility
Cleveland’s defence will test rookie QB
We sure have been waiting for this Thursday showcase. Top draft pick Baker Mayfield vs. No. 3 selection Sam Darnold, a mano a mano between rookie quarterbacks.
Oh, wait. Mayfield is a bench jockey in Cleveland, while Darnold is winging touchdowns and interceptions for the Jets.
Enthusiasm peaked after Darnold destroyed Detroit in New York’s opener, then came to a near halt when he struggled against Miami. The Browns have a developing defence led by the NFL’s No. 1 draft choice in 2017, Myles Garrett.
The Jets are three-point underdogs to Cleveland. That’s the value of a field goal or three extra points. Maybe we shouldn’t go there considering Cleveland’s kicking woes.
But they do have a new kicker, and will get their first win of the century. Well, not quite that long.
Browns, 17-16
San Francisco (+6½) at Kansas City
This line appears a bit low given the Niners’ struggles last week with the lowly Lions.
Best bet: Chiefs, 31-20 Pittsburgh (-2) at Tampa Bay, Monday night
Obviously, the oddsmakers don’t believe in FitzMagic. Against this leaky secondary, we do.
Upset special: Bucs, 30-26 Buffalo (+17) at Minnesota
Buffalo once was an even bigger underdog at 17½ points versus Miami in 1985. Dolphins won 28-0.
Vikings, 28-0
L.A. Chargers (+7) at L.A. Rams
Remember when La La Land had no NFL teams?
Rams, 22-17
Chicago (-6) at Arizona
Some will tell you the desert has no team this year.
Bears, 12-10
Indianapolis (+6) at Philadelphia
Looks like Carson Wentz will be back, but don’t expect too much.
Eagles, 23-19
New Orleans (+3) at Atlanta
Saints are struggling, Falcons are banged up. Key NFC South game.
Saints, 28-27
New York Giants (+6) at Houston
Now Eli has to avoid J.J. and Jadeveon? Sack alert!
Texans, 20-9
Oakland (+3) at Miami
Dolphins are one of the league’s most pleasant surprises.
Dolphins, 24-17
Cincinnati (+3) at Carolina
Bengals are a pleasant surprise, but don’t remain unbeaten.
Panthers, 22-20
Green Bay (-3) at Washington
We now are sure even a hobbled Rodgers is an elite quarterback. But that secondary is woeful.
Packers, 30-28
Denver (+5) at Baltimore
This could be a defensive gem. Ravens, 17-16
Dallas (-1) at Seattle
Cowboys can rush QB, Seahawks can’t protect QB. Seems simple.
Cowboys, 18-6
New England (-6½) at Detroit
Will Belichick go easy on former assistant Patricia? Doubtful.
Patriots, 27-17
Tennessee (no line) at Jacksonville
Just when we were ready to make Jags the best bet, there’s no line.
Jaguars, 26-9
Last week: Against spread, 9-6; straight up, 9-6-1
Season totals: Against spread, 1713-1; straight up, 19-11-2
Best bet: 1-1 against spread, 2-0 straight up
Upset special: 1-1 against spread, 0-1-1 straight up