The Todd Bowles era in New York begins Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. The Jets appeared to be the most dysfunctional team during the preseason until Bowles took down the tent that was hanging over the team’s camp. It also helps that the Redskins are in the league. Bowles looks to carry over the momentum of three straight preseason wins.
ODDS
New York opened as a 2.5-point favorite in season opener. Oddsmakers see this being a close one with the Jets not even getting the standard three points for homefield advantage. The total surfaced at 41 and is high for teams that have questions on offense.
KEY INJURIES
Duke Johnson, Jr. – The Browns run game will be in the rookie’s hands when he clears the concussion protocol. He’s listed as questionable for the opener. Isaiah Crowell will get a bulk of the snaps in the backfield after the team traded Terrance West.
Johnny Manziel – Still dealing with the effects of a sore elbow, Manziel didn’t play the last two preseason games while resting his throwing arm. If Manziel is unable to go and the Browns don’t sign another quarterback, Terrelle Pryor, a former college quarterback who made the roster as a receiver, will serve as the team’s backup.
Sheldon Richardson – The Jets defensive tackle will begin his four-game suspension once the regular season starts.
KEY MISMATCH
New York Secondary against Cleveland Passing Game
The Jets made a major investment in its secondary during the offseason, signing cornerbacks Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine. Revis is widely considered the best at his position and returns to the Jets after helping the Patriots win the Super Bowl last season. Cromartie comes back after a season with the Cardinals and has at least three interceptions in each of the last six seasons. The two have combined for 54 picks during their careers. The Browns handed the starting quarterback job to perennial backup Josh McCown with hopes of solidifying a position that has been a mess for the team since Bernie Kosar was slinging for the first incarnation of the club. Signed by the Buccaneers to be their starter last season, McCown wasn’t very good, eventually losing the gig towards the end of a two-win disaster. He threw 14 picks with 11 touchdowns while completing just 56.3 percent of his passes.
KEY STAT
+6 – Preseason games are meaningless and so are the stats that come with them. But it is worth noting that the Jets finished plus-six in turnover margin – not bad for a team that was minus-11 last season. The Todd Bowles effect could be taking over.
BETTING ANGLE
Bowles is a defensive guy and he has the horses on his team to make up one of the best defenses in the league. The first year coach has endured plenty in his short time with the club. From the off-field transgressions of players to the locker room saga that knocked out his starting quarterback. But Bowles used his no-nonsense approach during training camp to get a hold on his club, putting the focus on the team rather than the off-field stuff. The team responded by winning its final three preseason games after being embarrassed in the opener. “It’s been a camp where a lot of people had to get out of their shells and grow up a little bit. Coach Bowles has made sure that we’ve come to work. It’s been a good camp,” said veteran offensive lineman Willie Colon.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Both teams still have questions on offense, but defensively both should be stout. The Browns are going with retread Josh McCown at quarterback. He’s proven to be a capable backup during his career but when given the starting role things haven’t gone well. He faltered in Tampa Bay last season, though not completely his fault. The numbers weren’t there and he was replaced towards the end of the year. The running game is still up in the air and counting on McCown to win games is a risky proposition. The Jets have a few more playmakers on offense and their D is more than capable of shutting down the Browns.
New York 17, Cleveland 13
BookMaker sent out the NFL odds for this Sunday game at New York -2.5 with a total of 41. Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next quarter. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The game between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets will take place Sunday, September 13, 2015, at 1 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium. The matchup will be televised live on CBS.
