Lions vs Jets (12/18/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

Detroit heads to Manhattan Sunday in a matchup with huge implications for the NFL wildcard race. Both Detroit and the Jets are relevant in December for the first time in years, and whichever team wins Sunday will significantly boost their playoff odds. Let’s take a closer look at the matchups, injuries, and odds below.

Detroit Lions Vs. New York Jets Betting Odds

The Lions are (-1) point favorites over the Jets, indicating Vegas views this game as a toss up. The over/under is set at 44.5, but it’s hard to say which way the total will go. The Lions hold a top 5 scoring offense and have scored 30+ points in 4 of their past 5 games, but they face the Jets 6th best scoring defense, which in contrast has limited their opponents to 20 points or less in 4 of their past 5 games.

Detroit Lions Vs. New York Jets Prediction

The Lions come off a convincing 34-23 win over the Vikings this past Sunday and vaulted themselves into the thick of the playoff race. The Lions have now won 5 out of their last 6 games and are two spots away from a wildcard seeding. The Lions rookies also proved they’re making their way, with WR Jameson Williams snatching his first catch and touchdown as DE Aidan Hutchinson added another sack to his season total.

FIRST NFL CATCH IS A TOUCHDOWN FOR @bigsgjamo!#MINvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/2vd9oiRmYe

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 11, 2022

On the other hand, the Jets suffered a crucial loss to their divisional rival Bills, taking them out of the playoffs in favor of the Patriots. The Jets have lost 3 out of their last 4 games and are on the outside looking in for the postseason. They may have to get back on track without QB Mike White, who the team listed as day to day. White was knocked out of Sunday’s game twice and even taken to the hospital, but claims he’s feeling good and normal after surviving some brutal hits. In the case that White is unable to go, Zach Wilson will take the field again after the Jets promoted him to the backup role.

I’m taking the Lions to beat the Jets. The Lions have transformed into a winning and confident team the second half of the season under Dan Campbell. Whether it’s executing fake punts or OT Penei Sewell converting on 3rd and 7, there’s no denying anymore the Lions are explosive, creative, and deserve to compete with the best.

Prediction: Lions 28-21, Over hits

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Betting Trends

Lions are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Jets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.

Key Injuries

Detroit Lions Injuries: Kayode Awosika (Q), Derrick Barnes (Q), Evan Brown (Q), Will Harris (Q), Quintez Cephus (Q), Tommy Kraemer (Q), Halapoulivaati Vaitai (Q), Bobby Price (Q), Craig Reynolds (Q)

New York Jets Injuries: Corey Davis (Q), Micheal Clemons (Q), Brandin Echols (Q), Greg Senat (Q), Dru Samia (Q),
Quinnen Williams (Q), Zane Lewis (Q), Mike White (Q)

Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Lions vs Jets below.

The Lions Pass Offense vs the Jets Pass Defense

I never thought I’d say that a Lions pass offense led by Jared Goff would be the best Lions passing attack since Stafford to Megatron, but here we are as the Lions rank 4th in total offense and 7th in pass offense. Jared Goff is finally playing up to his #1 overall draft status, as he’s top 5 in passing touchdowns and has thrown 0 interceptions in his past five games. He’s not only hitting on the short and medium throws, but he’s going deep, throwing 40+ yard touchdowns to WR Jameson Williams and WR D.J. Chark in his last game. Goff faces one of his tougher challenges going up against the Jets pass defense. The Jets have the 4th best pass defense in the league which includes a ferocious pass rush that’s 5th in sacks. DT Quinnen Williams has 11 sacks on the season, including 2 Sunday versus the Bills. Williams is currently day to day, and the Jets desperately want him back to get pressure on Goff and the Lions offense.

.@JaredGoff16 dialing up another deep one!#MINvsDET | 📺 FOX | #ProBowlVote | @DJChark82 pic.twitter.com/d58UP6Dt3I

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 11, 2022

Zonovan Knight vs Lions Run Defense

Amidst injuries to other Jets running backs, undrafted rookie RB Zonovan Knight has emerged as the Jets top back. Knight has played the past three games and averaged 5.0 yards per carry. Knight has yet to notch his first 20 carry or 100 yard game, but in the wake of the Mike White injury, the Jets may want to consider relying more on their tackle-breaking runner and keep the Lions off the field.

Have you voted @knight_zonovan for Rookie of the Week today?

🗳 https://t.co/UceF1dxNuw pic.twitter.com/e1kgDvTNXc

— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 14, 2022

The Jets should capitalize on this advantage as they go up against the Lions, who have a bottom ten run defense. However, the Lions did a great job versus Dalvin Cook and the Vikings run offense, holding them to just 22 total yards. If the Lions can keep Knight in check, it will leave the Jets one dimensional on offense.

Detroit Lions Depth Chart

QB: Jared Goff
RB1: D’Andre Swift
RB2: Jamaal Williams
LWR: D.J. Chark
RWR: Josh Reynolds
SWR: Amon-Ra St. Brown
TE1: T.J. Hockenson

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