The New York Jetsreturn to MetLife Stadium at 1-3, searching for answersafter three consecutive losses. TheCleveland Browns arrive with a 3-1 record and three straight victories, giving head coach Aaron Glenn's team another difficult test as it tries to keep its season from slipping further off course.The Jets have shown flashes of competitiveness, but they haven't consistently finished drives or made enough game-changing plays to secure victories. That needs to change Sunday, andthere are a few matchups that could work in New York's favor.
Here are Jets Wire's five bold predictions for the Week 5 matchup.
The Jets' defense grabs two more interceptions
The Jets finally ended their interception drought last week when Minkah Fitzpatrick picked off Chicago Bearsquarterback Tyson Bagent last week.
Now, the prediction is that New York's defense builds on that breakthrough by intercepting Deshaun Watson twice, with at least one pick coming from the safety position.
Glenn's defense has shown it can create opportunities, but the next step is consistently turning those chances into takeaways. Two interceptions would give the Jets additional possessions and could provide the momentum they've desperately needed during their three-game losing streak.
Aaron Glenn's defense records six pressures and two sacks on Deshaun Watson
Watson has already been sacked 11 times through four games, making the Browns quarterback an appealing target for a Jets pass rush looking to bounce back after a quiet afternoon in Chicago. David Bailey and the rest of New York's defensive front need to generate considerably more disruption than they managed against the Bears.
The bold prediction is that the Jets record at least six pressures and bring Watson down twice. If New York can hurry him into uncomfortable situations and prevent him from settling into a rhythm, the defense could create the mistakes necessary to swing the game.
The Jets top 300 yards of total offense
Cleveland has surrendered 348.5 yards per game entering Week 5, allowing the Jets to produce their most complete offensive performance in weeks. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich's unit has struggled to sustain drives consistently, but there is enough talent available to exploit a defense that has allowed opponents to move the football.
New York needs to establish some balance, protect Smith, and find ways to get wide receiver Garrett Wilson and the rest of its playmakers involved.
Reaching 300 total yards would be an encouraging step, particularly if the Jets can translate that production into touchdowns instead of settling for field goals.
Geno Smith bounces back with a two-touchdown performance
Smith is coming off his most difficult game of the season, and the veteran quarterback needs a response. The Jets don't necessarily need him to produce an extraordinary statistical performance, but they do need him to operate confidently, protect the football, and finish drives.
Expect Smith to throw two touchdown passes against Cleveland, reconnecting with his playmakers and giving the offense a much-needed boost. If the protection holds up and the running game provides enough support, Smith has an opportunity to put the Chicago performance behind him.
The Jets win by one score
This prediction requires a little faith in a team that hasn't won since Week 1, but the Jets have enough talent to make Sunday interesting. Cleveland deserves credit for winning three straight, yet New York has a chance to use home-field advantage and an aggressive defensive approach to make this game uncomfortable for the visitors.
The Jets will probably make things stressful for their fans before finding a way to pull through, but the prediction is that Glenn's team finally closes out a game and ends its losing streak. A victory would provide some much-needed relief and give New York a foundation to build on as the schedule continues. Prediction: Jets 27, Browns 23
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 5 bold Jets predictions for Week 5 vs. the Browns
