The Jets have just two games left in the 2023 season. At 6-9, they already know they will miss the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season. At the very least, they can play spoiler a little and keep the Cleveland Browns from clinching a playoff spot, at least for a few days.
This will be a battle between Trevor Siemian and Joe Flacco. Siemian is making his second consecutive start while Zach Wilson recovers from a concussion. Flacco is making his fifth start for Cleveland. The Browns have won three straight behind Flacco.
This may be a little bit of a revenge game for Flacco. The Jets had a chance to reach out to Flacco while they were having quarterback issues and chose not. The Jets now have to sit home and watch Flacco lead the Browns in the postseason.
As for this game, the Jets’ struggles on offense will again be tested against the excellent Cleveland defense. With the issues up front, it would not be a surprise if Browns’ star defensive end Myles Garrett has himself quite a night. The Jets will also be without wide receiver Allen Lazard, who is dealing with an illness. Randall Cobb will be active. Not that they’ve been moving the needle much anyway.
On the flip side, Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper is inactive. He has a heel injury. Just five days ago, Cooper set a Browns record with 265 yards in their win over the Texans. Like Tyreek Hill two weeks ago, the Jets catch a break and don’t have to face an opposing star wide receiver. They could see more of their old friend Elijah Moore as a result.
Overall, the Jets are likely to get stifled again on offense. Cleveland has been very strong and will be too much on defense for Siemian and the limited New York offense. That should make all the difference in this one as Cleveland will celebrate a postseason berth.
Prediction: Browns 24, Jets 10
