Who: Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets
When: Thursday, December 22nd, 2022, 8:15pm ET
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Moneyline: Jets -120, Jaguars EVEN
Spread: Jets -1.5
Total: 36.5 o/u
It’s been quite an up-and-down season for the New York Jets (7-7). After getting blown out in Week 1 by the Ravens, many deduced Gang Green was headed toward another disappointing season. Yet, a remarkable 4th quarter comeback against the Browns and surprise upsets of the Bills and Dolphins propelled New York toward the top of the AFC East and established themselves as serious postseason contenders. However, losing four of their last five has diminished their chances of making the playoffs.
If the Jets wish to stay alive in the playoff hunt, they must take care of business against the surging Jaguars (6-8) at home on Thursday. Unlike the Jets, Jacksonville has been one of the hottest teams in the league, winning three of their last four games, including victories over the Cowboys, Ravens, and Titans. They now remain one game back of Tennessee in the race for the AFC South and must continue to rack up the wins to keep pace. Trevor Lawrence has shown flashes of why he deserved to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, unlike Zach Wilson of the Jets, who was drafted one spot behind him at No. 2.
After being benched for Mike White after a disastrous loss to the Patriots in Week 11, Wilson will have another chance to reclaim his starting job on Thursday. White will again be sidelined with an injury, so Robert Saleh and the Jets will look to Wilson to salvage their playoff hopes. Wilson had a decent outing on Sunday in the Jets’ 20-17 loss to the Lions. Throwing for 317 yards with two TDS and one INT, Wilson put his team in a position to win, but a late Lions’ TD and a missed FG by Greg Zuerlein resulted in a loss for the home team.
Many may wonder why the Jets are favored in this matchup, but I was not surprised. The public is reactionary and knowing that the Jets have struggled recently while the Jaguars have been on fire makes them believe Jacksonville is the superior squad. In reality, these teams are right next to each other in the power rankings, with the Jets getting the edge because of their defense. This contest reminds me of the Lions-Vikings matchup a few weeks back, where the Lions were favored. The result? The Lions defeated the Vikings comfortably.
It will be cold and rainy at kickoff tomorrow night, giving the Jets an advantage. Sauce Gardner and the defense should be able to halt the Jags’ momentum and put their offense in a spot to win. If New York can capitalize on their run game behind Zonovan Knight and Michael Carter and lighten the load for Wilson, they can pull off the win. Given the wintry weather conditions and the fact that the game will be played in a short week, I am also going to take the Under.
The Jets win and cover.
Pick: Jets -1.5
Under: 36.5
