Browns Defense Named Major Sleeper Entering Week 5 vs Jets

The Cleveland Browns sit at 3-1 on the new season, hoping to earn another big victory this weekend.

Cleveland will be heading out on the road to face off against the 1-3 New York Jets, who have lost three straight games.  On the flip side, this Browns team has won three straight games after a poor showing in Week 1.

The Browns will do their best to not overlook New York entering the contest, focusing on staying consistent from their recent win streak. Both sides of the ball have played well for Cleveland over the last few weeks, helping them look like a competitive team in the NFL.

Heading into the Week 5 matchup against the Jets, the Browns defense has been named a sleeper in terms of fantasy football. Analyst Raza Umerani of NFL.com listed the Cleveland unit as one in a recent piece.

With the Browns facing off against a very shaky New York offensive attack, the defense may have a chance to really push them around. Cleveland has been excellent on defense over its win streak, holding teams down in the process.

The Browns have recorded at least three sacks in each of the past three weeks, being one of two teams to do so. Over the win steak, the Browns have also recorded four interceptions as well, showing the ability to generate turnovers.

But what has been most impressive for the Browns has been the pressure rate in the backfield, disrupting offenses. Cleveland has recorded the sixth-highest pressure rate in the NFL this season, and they have the ninth-highest sack rare.

New York has been very poor against defensive pressure this season, and this could give the Browns a real chance to win. The Browns will need to pressure quarterback Geno Smith consistently, and if they can, it could be a long day for the Jets offense.

Smith has been turnover prone in recent years, and the Browns will try to get some in this game. The veteran quarterback has down his best to limit everything this year, but this Cleveland defense is very opportunistic.

Cleveland is looking to move to 4-1 on the season for the second time since 1994, and given where the two teams are coming into the game, it could easily happen. Of course, nothing will be handed to the Browns, and this group will have to earn its keep to get another big road win.

Kickoff between the Browns and Jets is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. PT/1:00 p.m. ET.