Jacksonville Jaguars vs New York Jets Preview (12/22/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

Both of these teams could not have finished with far more different results in their last week out. The Jags thwarted the Cowboys with a game sealing pick six while the Jets blew a late lead against the feisty Lions. They had a chance to send it to overtime with a deep field goal opportunity but missed. Can the Jets get back on track against the Jags in Thursday night primetime?

Jacksonville Jaguars vs New York Jets Betting Odds

Oddsmakers tend to think so as they opened the Jets as a -2 favorite. Bettors are in disagreement though, taking the Jags down to +1 in some shops. The direction this line trends may lie on the news of Mike White’s injury as the Jets offense is clearly more discombobulated with Zach Wilson under center. While he is capable of making the big play, he is also just as prone to taking you out of games as well.

As for the total, oddsmakers have this as a low scoring affair by opening the number at 42. Bettors were quick in agreement, taking this down to as low as 38.5 as of writing. This comes as no surprise as the Jets offense has failed to sustain consistency on their drives, while fielding a defense that is more than capable of slowing down the Jags offense. This Jets defense is legit, even slowing down the Lions high powered offense in their last game out.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs New York Jets Prediction

The Pick: Jags +1.5

Even with an elite defense, I still have to fade the Jets as long as Zach Wilson is under center. It certainly is trending that way, especially on short notice, with Mike White nursing a rib injury sustained in the Bills game. It will be worth monitoring any Joe Flacco news as even he would be a step up in offensive production, but I have yet to see any valid news on that situation.

Speaking of an elite defense, the Jets have proven that they are for real at this point of the season. They rank top-10 in Overall Def DVOA with an elite secondary that has negated high powered offenses. They held the Lions in check, losing to a punt return touchdown and a busted coverage fourth down trick play conversion.

They now go against another above average pass attack with Trevor Lawrence playing at an elite level as of late. He burned the Cowboys vaunted defense and now will be asked to do the same against the Jets stingy secondary. The Jets secondary currently ranks top-10 in Def Pass DVOA and have smothered opposing receivers.

Still, Lawrence and company have been playing at a high level and have proven to crack elite defenses. They will get the added benefit of their defense going against Zach Wilson, a added potential of more drives and friendly field position should Wilson continue to make bone headed throws.

Betting Trends

• Jets are 0-4 ATS in their last four Thursday games
• Jags are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six games overall
• Jags are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games against the AFC

Key Injuries

Jacksonville Jaguars Injuries: Chad Muma (Q), Travon Walker (Q), Andrew Wingard (Q), Darious Williams (Q), Brandon Scherff (Q)

New York Jets Injuries: Quinnen Williams (Q), Corey Davis (D), Mike White (D)

Key Matchups

Can the Jags take advantage of Zach Wilson under center?

Zach Wilson vs Jags pass defense

Zach Wilson’s first game back starting under center went exactly how you thought it would be. He gave the defensive second level fits with his legs and completed deep balls to Garrett Wilson while simultaneously throwing the most head scratching ball possible for interceptions and stalled out drives.

The Jags pass defense is one of the worst in the league, ranking near dead last in Def Pass DVOA. While they benefit going against Zach Wilson, it will be up to their front line to generate pressure to the backfield to force him into making mistakes.

Verdict

Until Mike White is back, I will take the Jags at the current number in what will be an ugly Thursday night showdown.

Jacksonville Jaguars Depth Chart

QB: Trevor Lawrence
RB1: Travis Etienne Jr
RB2: Jamycal Hasty
LWR: Marvin Jones Jr
RWR: Christian Kirk
SWR: Zay Jones
TE1: Evan Engram

New York Jets Depth Chart

QB: Zach Wilson
RB1: Zonovan Knight
RB2: Michael Carter
LWR: Corey Davis
RWR: Elijah Moore
SWR: Braxton Berrios
TE1: CJ Uzomah