Battle of the Backups
A pair of backup quarterbacks will clash when the Cleveland Browns play host to the New England Patriots in Week 6. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has stepped in for the Browns (2-3) as they await Deshaun Watson’s return from suspension. Following the injury of starting quarterback Mac Jones, fourth-round rookie QB Bailey Zappe has led the Patriots (2-3) to improved play. Which backup signal-caller will reign supreme on Sunday?
Let’s check the latest NFL odds, stats, injury reports, and NFL lines for Patriots vs Browns. We’ve plenty of Vegas NFL odds for you to consider.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots’ offense struggled in the first two games, averaging 12 points. The unit made huge strides in Week 3, posting 447 yards against the Baltimore Ravens, but starting quarterback Jones hurt his ankle in the process. After second-string QB Brian Hoyer went down with a concussion in Week 4, the job fell to third-string rookie Zappe.
Zappe has not put up gaudy numbers. In fact, he has not cracked 200 passing yards. However, he has been efficient, posting at least a 100-passer rating in both showings. Jones’ highest passer rating in three games was 87.2 in the season-opener. The offensive line is playing well, and running back Rhamondre Stevenson is breaking out. Both have been a tremendous help for the rookie QB.
The defense is also playing well, particularly in the secondary. Rookie cornerback Jack Jones has been fantastic. He comes off back-to-back games with an interception and is allowing a 42.6 passer rating.
Jack Jones continues to make plays. What an INT. Incredible. pic.twitter.com/lE3CyfPeS9
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) October 9, 2022
According to NFL odds, the Arizona State product is +1400 to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. So far, Jones looks like the perfect replacement for J.C. Jackson. In addition, edge rusher Matthew Judon is enjoying another great season (six sacks).
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have lost three games by six combined points. Despite the offense’s success, Cleveland is struggling to close games. Against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5, the Browns nearly took the lead twice in the fourth quarter. With 2:55 remaining, Cleveland was on Los Angeles’ nine-yard line when quarterback Brissett threw an interception. After a fourth-down stop, kicker Cade York missed a 54-yard field goal that would have put Cleveland up 31-30 with 16 seconds left. Thanks to late-game mistakes, the Browns lost 30-28.
As mentioned, the offense has played well. Cleveland ranks sixth in points per game and fourth in yards per game. Running back Nick Chubb leads the NFL’s top rushing attack averaging 192.4 yards per game. In addition, Brissett has done enough to keep the Browns in games.
The defense has been a massive disappointment. Following Watson’s suspension, many expected the Browns to hang their hat on the run game and defense. Through five games, Cleveland is allowing 5.3 yards per carry (30th) and 6.9 yards per pass attempt (21st). Last season, this was a top-10 unit. It returned all of its major pieces, yet there has been a massive drop off.
Patriots vs Browns Game Injuries
Patriots vs Browns Head-to-Head
Coach Bill Belichick has dominated his former team, as the Patriots have won eight of the last nine games against the Browns. Cleveland’s last win against New England (34-14) came in a home game in 2010.
Patriots vs Browns Game Information
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 16th
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH
- How to watch Patriots vs Browns? ESPN
- Patriots vs Browns Live stream: NFL Game Pass
Patriots vs Browns Betting Lines
Patriots vs Browns Prediction
These teams are quite similar. Both offenses are relying on the run with safe play-calling. Ultimately, New England has a huge coaching advantage. Cleveland cannot close games thanks to various mistakes. The Patriots, on the other hand, have perhaps the greatest coach of all time in Belichick. Moreover, running back Stevenson is averaging 5.9 yards per carry with 300 rushing yards over the last three games. The Browns have one of the NFL’s worst run defenses. Patriots fans will become further enamored with Zappe following another win.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
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