In most years, the New York Jets appear like a beatable opponent on the schedule. While that has rung true for most NFL teams, the Browns are just 3–7 against them over their last 10 matchups, dating back to 2013. This season, the Jets are 1–3, but that doesn't exactly tell the whole story.
All three of their losses have come against NFC North foes — the Packers, Lions, and Bears. The Packers needed overtime to steal their matchup, and the Lions only scored their go-ahead touchdown with less than three minutes remaining in regulation. A key reason they've been giving teams fits is their defense, as second-year head coach Aaron Glenn has engineered a major turnaround on that side of the ball.
After finishing the 2025 season 31st in points and 25th in yards allowed, the Jets rank 11th in each category through the first month of the season. Their strength has been defending the pass, and Pro Football Focus currently ranks their teamwide coverage grade fourth-best. However, the coverage by their linebackers has been suspect, and that lends itself to a game plan heavy on Harold Fannin Jr.
Harold Fannin Jr. could be the key to unlocking the Browns' offense in Week 5
Fannin Jr. hasn't gotten nearly as much publicity as his rookie wide receiver teammates, but he's been chopping wood regardless. He's second on the team in targets (23), tied for first on the team in receptions (17), and second in yards (153). What's more, as with most tight ends, the majority of that production has come against linebackers.
PFF has charged 72 of Fannin Jr.'s receiving yards against linebackers so far this season. As for the Jets, their top two linebackers — Jamien Sherwood and Demario Davis — have seen mixed results in coverage. Sherwood is allowing a bloated 117.9 passer rating in his coverage area, while the ageless Davis' 89.0 passer rating allowed remains superb.
One can expect head coach and playcaller Todd Monken to attack Sherwood early and often with not only Fannin Jr. but KC Concepcion out of the slot as well.
Despite a hearty 9.0 sacks on the year, the Jets' defense grades out poorly in the pass rush department. That's a welcome sign for quarterback Deshaun Watson and his work-in-progress offensive line. It also seems to indicate that Watson will have time to survey the field on Sunday, hopefully paving the way to another standout performance.
Ultimately, the Browns haven't been basking in glory nearly long enough to start overlooking any opponent. Despite a 3–1 start and Monken's disdain for references to the past, history can repeat itself in a hurry if the Browns get complacent. If the franchise is to reach four straight victories for the first time since Joe Flacco's magical run in 2023, their offense is going to need to pull its weight against a stingy defense.
The game plan starts with Harold Fannin Jr.
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