Kick-off on the night of Thursday to Friday at 2:15 a.m.
Cleveland Brown (10-5) – New York Jets (6-9)
Who could have believed at the start of the season that as the season approaches week 17, the Browns would be on the verge of qualifying for the playoffs… thanks to Joe Flacco? Not the Jets anyway. New York indeed knows the quarterback well who spent almost 3 seasons under green colors. Years which will not remain engraved in the memory of supporters since the former Baltimore pitcher displays a record of 1 victory for 8 defeats with the Jets. This is why, even when Aaron Rodgers was injured, the leaders of the Big Apple did not re-sign Flacco.
In Cleveland, on the other hand, we decided to give it a try. And it is clear that for the moment, it is largely this choice that saves the Browns’ season. Since his arrival, Flacco has been 3 wins in 4 starts. Above all, he accumulated 1,307 yards for 10 TDs. And if the number of interceptions is still high (7), he allows his team to still be in the race. Better still, a victory this Thursday would guarantee them a place in the playoffs.
Closed airspaces
In the AFC North, the division is out of reach with the domination of the Ravens. On the other hand, the first ticket for the Wild Cards can be distributed this Thursday. But it won't be a cakewalk for Flacco. Facing him, he will have one of the best air defenses in the country (168.6 yards conceded in the air per game. 2nd in the NFL). It's simple, it doest 33 matches that the Jets did not let an opposing quarterback exceed the 300 yards. The last one is called Tom Brady, during the week 17 in 2021. This is, of course, the longest running streak in the NFL.
Joe Flacco will be able to rely on Amari Cooper who is regaining his best level. The receiver notably remains on an incredible performance with 265 yards against the Texans. But he will also help again with his defense. A squad that only takes 260.3 yards per game. A statistic that makes it the strongest in the country. Trevor Siemian, the 4th pitcher aligned this season by the Jets, will have work. Possible that this Thursday, while the Browns celebrate their second qualification in the playoffs in 21 years oldthe Jets regret letting Flacco go.
