After two weeks of the NFL season, we still sit at three games under .500, with a record of 14-17-1.
On Thursday, the Cleveland Browns hosted the New York Jets. The Browns were favored by the three points the home team gets for having a home-field advantage. Cleveland was down early when QB Tyrod Taylor suffered his third concussion in a calendar year. This set the stage for the number one pick of the 2018 NFL Draft to lead the Browns to a comeback victory. That’s just what happened.
Baker Mayfield went 17/23, throwing for 201 yards. The Cleveland defense held strong, forcing Sam Darnold to throw two interceptions. Carlos Hyde added two touchdowns on the ground, and of course, Mayfield put the icing on the cake with a two-point conversion. He had his first NFL points the exact same way he ended his college career, with a catch in the end zone.
I’m not saying Baker will lead them to the playoffs, but the Browns looked more inspired playing with the rookie QB. Post-game, HC Hue Jackson stated he wouldn’t name Mayfield the starter just yet, but did so on Sunday morning. So, we could be seeing some more Browns wins in the future. That feels weird to say.
Oh, and by the way. We took the Browns to win and cover at home. Not a bad way to start the third week of the NFL season. Now, on to Sunday.
SUNDAY 1:00 PM
Buffalo Bills (+17) @ Minnesota Vikings (-17)
Green Bay Packers (-3) @ Washington Redskins (+3)
Denver Broncos (+6) @ Baltimore Ravens (-6)
Indianapolis Colts (+7) @ Philadelphia Eagles (-7)
San Francisco 49ers (+6) @ Kansas City Chiefs (-6)
New York Giants (+6.5) @ Houston Texans (-6.5)
New Orleans Saints (+1.5) @ Atlanta Falcons (-1.5)
Cincinnati Bengals (+3) @ Carolina Panthers (-3)
Oakland Raiders (+3) @ Miami Dolphins (-3)
Tennessee Titans (+10) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-10)
SUNDAY 4:05 – 4:25 PM
Los Angeles Chargers (+7) @ Los Angeles Rams (-7)
Dallas Cowboys (+1) @ Seattle Seahawks (-1)
Chicago Bears (-6) @ Arizona Cardinals (+6)
SUNDAY 8:30 PM
New England Patriots (-7) @ Detroit Lions (+7)
MONDAY 8:30 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (PICK EM)