Cleveland Browns (0-0) vs New York Jets (0-0)
Game Info: Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 8:00 pm (Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium)
Betting Odds: Cleveland Browns -3 -- Over/Under: 34 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns face off on Thursday in the NFL Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
All Eyes on Aaron Rodgers
The Jets made a big move this season, bringing in Aaron Rodgers, and anything less than winning the Super Bowl is going to be a disappointment. It’s just been training camp, but there has been quite a buzz about how well he has looked. At points last season, though, Rodgers looked checked out, and the hope is that doesn’t happen again here. This is the first preseason game, so don’t expect to see Rodgers play here. Zach Wilson should get some run here as the backup, and the Jets also have Tim Boyle and Chris Streveler who are trying to make the roster.
Running back Breece Hall is still working his way back from an ACL injury and there has been talk that Dalvin Cook could be joining the team, but that hasn’t been finalized at the time this article was written. Last season, the Jets defense was one of the best in football, giving up only 18.6 points per game. If the offense can be better, this is going to be an exciting season for the Jets.
Is this the season the Browns finally compete?
The Browns finished in last place in the AFC North last season, but there is still a lot of hope about what this team can do this season. There has still been some controversy surrounding Deshaun Watson this offseason, but it’s clear the Browns are sticking by him. Watson however isn’t going to start in this game. The Browns are going to start Kellan Mond who was a former third round draft pick, but couldn’t ever stick with the Minnesota Vikings. The Browns also brought in Dorian Thompson-Robinson this offseason, and he’s expected to get some run in this game. Thompson-Robinson was a standout at UCLA, and the Browns hope that long term he can be the backup for this team. Former Jets wide receiver Elijah Moore was also brought in, and he should help improve the Browns wide receiver room.
Shane’s Free Pick
Betting on the first preseason game can sometimes be scary, but I do think there is some value with this game. I expect this to be a game that features strong defense by both sides. The Jets defense is elite, and they are going to really lockdown in this game. I don’t trust Thompson-Robinson and especially don’t trust Kellan Mond. I also don’t trust the Jets quarterbacks behind Rodgers, and this is a game where the Jets might fail to score a touchdown. This game is going to stay under 20 points, and this game will stay under the total. It’s the first preseason game, so still bet this light, but the under is a strong play.
Shane’s Pick Under 34
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
Mitch's Take...
