Jets vs Vikings Preview (12/4/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

Who would’ve thought during the preseason that a December game between the Jets and Vikings would have much relevance, but here we are with both teams in the thick of the playoff race. The Jets need this win to keep up in the competitive AFC wildcard race while the Vikings are trying to keep the NFC’s #1 seed within reach. Let’s see who the odds, matchups, and injuries will favor in Minneapolis this Sunday.

New York Jets Vs. Minnesota Vikings Betting Odds

The Vikings are (-3) point home favorites over the visiting Jets (+3) with the over/under set at 45.5. The over is a tempting bet in this game after both teams scored over 30 points this past week, a lot more than the where the current total stands.

New York Jets Vs. Minnesota Vikings Prediction

The Jets switch to QB Mike White paid off versus the Bears as White completed an impressive 78% of his passes while throwing for 318 yards and 3 touchdowns. This has earned him the starting role for a second week in a row, and he will face the Minnesota Vikings defense. The Jets had another emerging player on offense in RB Zonovan Knight. The undrafted rookie moved up the depth chart due to injuries to Michael Carter, Breece Hall, and James Robinson’s weak performance. In his debut, Knight gained 103 scrimmage yards, a franchise record, and went for 4.9 yards per carry. The defense also excelled, holding the Bears offense to just 10 points.

The Vikings followed up a disastrous 40-3 loss with a 33-26 win on Thanksgiving, which temporarily quieted doubts that they are pretenders with their 9-2 record. QB Kirk Cousins showed he could win in primetime and the Vikings got their 8th win in a one possession game for this season. Nevertheless, they are still a weaker 9-2. They do not have a top 10 offense and have the second worst defense in the NFL, giving up 390.7 yards per game. They truly have been carried by an opportunistic defense which has provided them a 3rd best (+6) turnover differential and the record breaking performance of WR Justin Jefferson.

I’m taking the Vikings to just win and cover over the Jets. I anticipate this will be a close game, and the Vikings have excelled this season in closing out wins.

Prediction: Vikings 34-28, Over hits.

Betting Trends

Jets are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Vikings are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.

Key Injuries

New York Jets Injuries: Sheldon Rankins (Q), Kenny Yeboah (Q), Cedric Ogbuehi (Q), Dru Samia (Q), George Fant (Q), Zane Lewis (Q), Ashtyn Davis (Q), Chazz Surratt (Q), Greg Senat (Q), Michael Carter (Q), Rodney Adams (Q)

Minnesota Vikings Injuries: Akayleb Evans (Q), Dalvin Tomlinson (Q), Andrew Booth Jr. (Q), Christian Darrisaw (Q), Everson Griffen (Q)

Key Matchups

Jets Pass Offense vs the Vikings Pass Defense

Mike White not only was efficient in his Jets debut, but put up a QBR of 91.2, highest of the week. He connected with WR Elijah Moore for his first touchdown of the season and threw two touchdowns to Garrett Wilson, including the 54 yard catch and run TD below.

SO NICE THEY DID IT TWICE.@MikeWhiteQB + @GarrettWilson_V TOUCHDOWN#CHIvsNYJ on FOX pic.twitter.com/6WE6TR25NF

— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 27, 2022

Unfortunately for the Jets playmakers, they cannot go up against the Bears defense every week. The good news is they are set to play the Vikings, who allow the most passing yards per game this year. The Vikings secondary has produced turnovers and stops though. S Harrison Smith has four interceptions and a forced fumble on the season while CB Patrick Peterson has 3 interceptions and tied for 3rd in pass defenses with twelve. If White can play turnover free for a second week in a row, he’ll likely have at least efficient passing numbers again, which will keep Zach Wilson warming the bench.

Justin Jefferson vs Jets Secondary

Gear up for one of the weekend’s top matchups in Minneapolis this week with one of the league’s top receivers taking on the Jets secondary, including potential man-to-man snaps against Jets rookie CB Sauce Gardner. Justin Jefferson has proved why he’s a top 3 receiver in year 3, currently only one yard behind the league lead in receiving yards on the season. He also just broke former Viking Randy Moss’s record for most receiving yards in a player’s first three seasons, and there’s still 6 games left! Don’t be surprised for more highlight catches like this versus the Jets.

HE IS HIM 😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/TZx8WafjOP
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 25, 2022

On the Jets side, CB Sauce Gardner has played phenomenally and is the current favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He leads the league in pass defenses with 14 and has held his ground versus star receivers, including limiting WR Ja’Marr Chase to 0 receptions on 10 snaps when they faced off. Even so, Justin Jefferson may be the toughest test Gardner faces this season, so don’t be surprised if the Jets provide safety help or switch how they cover Jefferson.

New York Jets Depth Chart

QB: Mike White
RB1: Michael Carter II
RB2: James Robinson
LWR: Corey Davis
RWR: Braxton Berrios
SWR: Elijah Moore
TE1: C.J. Uzomah

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart

QB: Kirk Cousins
RB1: Dalvin Cook
RB2: Alexander Mattison
LWR: Justin Jefferson
RWR: Adam Thielen
SWR: K.J. Osborn
TE1: T.J. Hockenson