DaytonDailyNews.com

What you need to know about today's Browns-Jets game at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J.:

Overview

It's a game the playoff-hopeful Browns probably can't afford to lose. The Jets, one of two teams (Miami is the other) eliminated from AFC playoff contention, are playing for pride. It's a matchup of the AFC's two most prolific return men, Cleveland's Joshua Cribbs and New York's Leon Washington. Browns quarterback Derek Anderson and Jets counterpart Kellen Clemens were high school and college rivals. They meet for the first time as pros.

Scouting the Jets

The Jets have been energized to some degree by the insertion of Clemens at quarterback, but both starting receivers, Jerricho Cotchery (finger, out) and Laveranues Coles (ankle, game-time decision) are hurting. On defense, while they have discovered a pass rush (13 sacks the past three weeks), they rank 29th against the run. Trick plays are huge for them, and with nothing to lose, they are likely to try anything.

Scouting the Browns

After a four-turnover, 10-penalty fiasco against the Cardinals, a better all-around performance is likely. They haven't lost two in a row all season. Lose here and they almost certainly would have to win their last three to make the playoffs. The offense should do its part, but the defense needs to play like it did against Houston.

Injury report

Browns: Tight end Steve Heiden (ankle), linebackers David McMillan (knee) and Antwan Peek (knee), defensive linemen Orpheus Roye (knee) and Robaire Smith (neck), offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer (knee), nose tackle Ethan Kelley (knee) and cornerback Eric Wright (knee) are questionable.

Jets: Wide receivers Cotchery (finger) and Coles (ankle), long snapper James Dearth (foot), center Nick Mangold (calf) and DL Dewayne Robertson (knee) are questionable.

Outcome

Expect a wild, high-scoring affair decided in the waning minutes. The outcome: Browns 30, Jets 28.

Today's game

Who: Browns (7-5) at Jets (3-9) | When: 4:15 p.m.

TV: WHIO (Ch. 7)

Radio: WONE-AM (980)