Jets -1.5 (-115)
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- As expected, we will not be getting an Aaron Rodgers-Deshaun Watson battle in the preseason opener. Instead, we’ll get to watch Zach Wilson and Kellen Mond face off. Advantage Jets.
- Under Head Coach Robert Saleh, the New York Jets are 5-0-1 in preseason games.
- New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton and defensive end Will McDonald are both expected to play.
The 2023 NFL preseason is set to kick off on Thursday night with Jets vs Browns in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. The New York Jets will face off against the Cleveland Browns in Canton, Ohio. After nearly six months without NFL betting, the sport’s passionate fans are eager to get back in on the action.
Unfortunately, they’ll have to settle for a clash between two AFC playoff contenders who will be without their star quarterbacks and many other key players. Nevertheless, football fans are certainly in for a treat on Thursday evening. They will get an early look at the Jets and the Browns, two teams with high expectations for the upcoming 2023 NFL season.
Jets vs Browns Betting Pick
Jets vs Browns: Jets -1.5 (-115)
Why Bet on the Jets to Cover:
✅ Zach Wilson is set to start for the New York Jets on Thursday night. The former BYU star quarterback and No. 2 overall pick has previous on-field experience and will come out ready to prove that he can be the future franchise quarterback for the Jets.
✅ Since Head Coach Robert Saleh took over ahead of the 2022 season, the New York Jets are undefeated in preseason matchups (5-0-1 overall). As a result, it is clear that Saleh and the Jets have played to win in recent years and should approach the upcoming season with an enhanced sense of readiness and determination.
✅ Several key players, including offensive tackle Mekhi Becton and defensive end Will McDonald, are expected to play for the New York Jets in the 2023 Hall of Fame Game. Becton, in particular, is in a contract year. The former No. 11 overall pick in 2020 will come out ready to play in this preseason matchup and is looking to bounce back after several injuries have derailed his career thus far.
This game will be played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium at 8:00 PM ET on August 3, 2023.
New York Jets
After an impressive 7-4 start to the 2022 season, the New York Jets lost their final six games and failed to secure a spot in the playoffs. However, after landing four-time league MVP and star quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a blockbuster trade, many experts believe the Jets are more than capable of ending their 12-year playoff drought in the 2023 season and have a shot at claiming their first Super Bowl title since 1969.
The New York Jets offense will look to take a huge step forward in 2023. The Jets added two key playmakers at the wide receiver position (Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman) and also return 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson.
On the defensive side of the ball, New York brings back many key pieces from one of the league’s top defenses in 2022. This includes electric cornerback Sauce Gardner and elite run-stopper Quinnen Williams, among others. With a revamped offense and returning defensive stars, the Jets aim to make a statement in the upcoming season.
Cleveland Browns
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns are amped up for star quarterback Deshaun Watson’s first full season with the team. After a rather disappointing 7-10 finish in the 2022 regular season, the Browns will now look to claw their way to the top of a loaded AFC North Division.
The Browns’ offense is headlined by Nick Chubb, one of the league’s top backs, and standout wide receiver Amari Cooper. Cleveland also managed to acquire third-year wide receiver Elijah Moore from the New York Jets via trade and hopes to show considerable improvement on the offensive side of the ball in 2023.
After an underwhelming performance from its defense in 2022, the Browns have aggressively worked to make some key improvements. Cleveland traded for Pro-Bowl pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, and they signed safety Juan Thornhill and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency. Newly-added Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz plans to make his presence felt in 2023 and help the Cleveland Browns excel on defense.
