Browns' playoff chances take hit with 23-16 loss to Jets
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield leaves the field after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Baker Mayfield coughed up the ball — and the Cleveland Browns' chances to wrap up a playoff spot. After a 23-16 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, the Browns will need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday if they're going to end the NFL's longest playoff drought. The call was upheld by video review, and the Jets (2-13) sealed their second straight victory after an 0-13 start. Mayfield then marched the Browns downfield, and Nick Chubb's 1-yard run made it 20-10 with 2:56 left in the third quarter.
Erase that 0!: Jets edge Rams 23-20, avoid winless season
Coach Adam Gase got his first win of the year only after New York blew most of a 17-point lead in the second half. New York had a 13-3 lead at halftime after holding the Rams to 97 yards, and the Jets led 20-3 midway through the third quarter. Nsimba Webster’s huge punt return put the Rams in Jets territory moments later, but the New York defense held with help from penalties. INJURIESJets: DL Quinnen Williams left in the second half to be evaluated for a head injury. ... WR Jeff Smith injured his shoulder in the second half.
Jets' Flacco to start again for injured Darnold vs. Dolphins
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK – Joe Flacco will get his second straight start at quarterback for the New York Jets in place of the injured Sam Darnold. Gase said Darnold, who was injured in the Jets' 37-28 loss to Denver on Oct. 1, would not practice Wednesday. Darnold left the game against the Broncos for a few plays but returned and finished the game. “I think he's better than what he was last week,” Gase said of Darnold. “I do think he's a quick healer and there's no doubt any of us would ever say he's anything but tough.