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Cleveland Browns: Week 5 predictions against the New York Jets

By Ryan Landolph

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 31: Zane Gonzalez
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 31: Zane Gonzalez /
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The Cleveland Browns play host to the New York Jets this Sunday for a 1PM contest between AFC North and AFC East opponents.

The Browns were badly beaten last week 31-7 against the in-state rival Cincinnati Bengals, while the Jets pulled off an overtime win against the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-20. The teams sit at 0-4 and 2-2 respectively.

Both teams have surprised this year. For the Jets, nobody expected them to have two wins this early in the season. Meanwhile, many did not expect the Browns to be this bad right now.

Sunday’s game is currently a pick’em contest. Without further ado, here are this week’s predictions.

1. In a “revenge game,” Jets quarterback Josh McCown significantly outplays Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer

Sunday will mark McCown’s first start back in Cleveland since his release this past offseason. He has done a great job for the Jets so far in 2017, leading them to a 2-2 record while scoring at least 20 points in three-of-four games. The savvy vet has had instant chemistry with receivers Jermaine Kearse and Robby Anderson. Since Week 1, McCown has just one interception, while completing over 74 percent of his passes. He has been a great surprise for New York.

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Meanwhile, it has been a rough introduction to the NFL for Kizer. The rookie now leads the league in interceptions with eight after throwing another one last week against Cincinnati. However, it is pretty obvious that the Browns receivers are not helping Kizer much as he goes through his rookie growing pains.

Cleveland knew it would be a struggle for the Notre Dame project early this season, but after a promising preseason, this poor start was not entirely expected. It is going to be more of the same  for both quarterbacks this week.

The Browns defense is reeling after surrendering seven total touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks the last two weeks. Overall, Cleveland is 23rd in the NFL against the pass, allowing 241 yards passing per game.

The Jets do not possess elite weapons like Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton or Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green, but Kearse and Anderson bring challenges to the table for Cleveland. Kearse is a reliable underneath target, while Anderson has elite speed to take the top off the defense.

On the flip side, the Jets have been stingy to opposing quarterbacks this season. Currently, New York ranks seventh in the NFL, allowing just 195 yards passing per game. Last week, the defense held Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles to just 140 yards passing. Free agent addition Morris Claiborne has been fantastic for the Jets, as Pro Football Focus lists him as the second-best cornerback in terms of snaps (on passing plays) per reception. He has seen just 11 targets on 264 snaps.

The Browns receivers have not helped Kizer much this year, and against a tough Jets secondary, I would expect the struggles to continue. McCown should have a solid “revenge game” against his former club and weak Browns secondary. The vet is likely to outplay Kizer on Sunday.

2. Newly-signed Browns wide receiver Bryce Treggs catches a touchdown over 50 yards

After talking about how badly the Browns receiving corp has been so far, it only makes sense to make a bold prediction like this, right? However, Treggs is a newcomer after he was signed off the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad earlier this week. The undrafted receiver played in nine games for the Eagles last year, catching three passes for 80 yards, including a 58-yard reception.

The one thing the Browns have been lacking since wide receiver Corey Coleman’s departure has been a deep threat. Treggs, though just 5’10”, 185 pounds, is just that. He ran a 4.44 40-yard-dash at the combine last year and has a lot of confidence from his new coaching staff already.

With Kizer’s ability to throw the deep ball and the overall lack of talent at the wide receiver position, the chances are high Treggs makes an immediate impact. Fellow wide receiver Jordan Leslie was released with an injury designation this week and Kenny Britt is doubtful to play on Sunday. That leaves just Rashard Higgins, Ricardo Louis, Kasen Williams, Sammie Coates and Treggs as the healthy receivers for this week.

When Treggs gets in the game this weekend, he’s going to get targeted – it has happened to every receiver this year. The talent is there for the youngster, and with his speed, there is a decent chance he can reel in a long touchdown reception.

3. FINALLY! Myles Garrett’s debut ends with 2.0 sacks 

I have tried predicting this for the past two weeks – in Week 2, Garrett was ruled doubtful after I finished the story, and in Week 3, he ended up sitting out despite a questionable tag. However, this week, Garrett is back and more than ready to get back on the field.

In the preseason, Garrett only recorded one sack, but he showed signs of dominance multiple times. Jets left tackle Kelvin Beachum, who Garrett is likely to be matched up with, has only recorded one sack this year, according to Fox Sports, but the first-overall pick from Cleveland is a force Beachum has not seen this year.

Head coach Hue Jackson alluded that Garrett may be on a “pitch count” this week, but that should not affect Garrett’s contributions. He is going to get his no matter how many snaps he plays. With how well the Browns have defended the run this year – seventh in the NFL – this should put the Jets into more third-and-longs. This will allow Garrett to pin his ears back and go after the quarterback.

I expect a huge game from Garrett. Even at less than 100 percent, the rookie is a stud. He played much of last season at Texas A&M with less than ideal health and still dominated. This trend should continue on Sunday. Two sacks is certainly not out of the question in Garrett’s debut.

4. Zane Gonzalez is perfect on his field goals after missing his first last weekend

The rookie kicker from Arizona State missed his first career field goal on Sunday after making the first two he attempted earlier this year. It was a huge momentum shift early in the game. The Browns had just forced a turnover and were looking to score first. Unfortunately, Gonzalez missed the kick wide left. Cincinnati ultimately was able to hold the Browns scoreless until late in the fourth quarter.

Special teams coordinator addressed Gonzalez’s missed kick Friday morning.

It was certainly something uncommon for Gonzalez, who missed just two kicks all year last year in college. However, based on Tabor’s comments, it seems Gonzalez has put the miss behind him already. The kicker made his only extra point attempt later in the game last Sunday as well.

Chances are Gonzalez will have more chances to attempt field goals this weekend. If drives end up stalling, it is clear the team is still confident in its rookie kicker. If the Browns want to have a chance on Sunday, they have to take care of the fundamentals. This includes Gonzalez, as he must make the makeable kicks. Based on his play in college and earlier this year, it is likely he bounces back with no misses this week.

5. Jets prove to be too much, as Browns fall to 0-5

Nobody really knows what is going to happen, but it is clear many believe the game is trending in the Jets direction.

I am one to believe with the bettors. The Browns should play better than last week against a weaker opponent, but the inconsistent offense will be their downfall once again. There just are not enough weapons that Kizer has at his disposal.

The Jets are riding high. They have two straight wins with a defense that has allowed just 20 points in that span. If McCown takes care of the football, the Jets should win.

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However, Garrett could be the x-factor in this game. A few sacks and a turnover could push the Browns over the top.

Prediction: Jets 16-13

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