New York Jets vs Seattle Seahawks Preview (1/1/23): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

We are down to the final two weeks of the regular season and as luck would have it, two teams with virtually the same playoff picture are facing off in a loser-goes-home battle. The Seattle Seahawks (7-8) are hosting the New York Jets (7-8) in what promises to be a competitive game with the postseason on the line.

Both of these teams were practically a lock to be in the playoffs at one point this year, but now both teams have lost four of their last five games to bring them each under .500. One of these teams will leave this game having been eliminated from playoff contention and one will keep their dream alive. Who will it be?

New York Jets vs. Seattle Seahawks Betting Odds

The Jets are a slim 2-point favorite over the Seahawks in this matchup. This line saw significant movement following Week 16 results as the Seahawks moved from 1.5-point favorites to 2-point underdogs. Seattle’s Tyler Lockett, Will Dissly, and Abraham Lucas are all listed as questionable, so this could be subject to more movement;

The over/under is a modest 42 points. The Jets have hit the over just five times this entire season while the Seahawks have hit over eight times this year and three times in their last five games.

New York Jets vs. Seattle Seahawks Prediction

The Seahawks’ 14-point loss to the Chiefs was not wildly unexpected given the nature of that beast, but it didn’t help their playoff chances. At 7-8, they are on the outside looking in at the playoffs. That being said, it’s still possible for Seattle to make the postseason. If the Hawks win out, their side of the bargain is complete. But they also need the Commanders to lose one of its final two games against Cleveland or Dallas and Green Bay to lose one of its final two games against Minnesota or Detroit. On the surface, this seems possible, but this season has proven the impossible.

Seattle may get Tyler Lockett back this week after having him sit out last week, which would be a boost that this offense desperately needs after a mediocre performance in Kansas City. But, they’ve got stiff competition in a stingy Jets defense that allows just 309 yards of total offense per game (third in NFL).

Unfortunately for Seattle’s defense, Mike White was cleared to play this week, which makes their job a lot harder than if Zach Wilson were playing. Fortunately for them, the Jets aren’t particularly potent in their ground game, which is where Seattle is especially vulnerable, but you can bet that White and company will continue to make secondaries guess. The Seattle defense averages 217 passing yards against them per game while the Jets offense averages 224 passing yards per game, so this should be a pretty even matchup.

White should give this Jets offense a confidence boost after their pitiful 19-3 loss to the Jaguars on Thursday Night Football. At 7-8 they are on the brink of playoff elimination, especially with the Chargers clinching a spot in the AFC race on Monday night. Their only way in now is by winning out (Seattle, Miami) and praying that the Patriots lose at least one game to either Miami or Buffalo. The latter is more likely than the former considering the Jets’ current four-game losing streak.

The Seattle secondary is solid, but their front seven is in shambles, and has been gashed on the run all season long. New York could try the run game out for size this week with Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight, but luckily for Seattle, neither have been overly impressive.

All in, there are even matchups all over this field, so it should be a very competitive game. Not to mention, they are both playing with a playoff chance on the line. That being said, I think Seattle’s strengths outweigh the Jets’ in this particular matchup. Unless the Jets come up with a way to increase the power of their run game, the pitiful Seattle front seven will likely be able to take care of business in that department. On offense, they’ve got Kenneth Walker to move the ball if Geno Smith and company can’t get going, and the Jets are more vulnerable against a good running back.

The Jets keep it close but Seattle scrapes out the win at home. My prediction: Seahawks win 20-17, Seattle covers, under 42 points

Betting Trends

• Seahawks are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
• Over is 4-1 in Seahawks last 5 games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 8-2 in Jets last 10 games overall.
• Jets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
• Jets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games.

Key Injuries

New York Jets Injuries: Mike White (Q)

Seattle Seahawks Injuries: Tyler Lockett (Q), Will Dissly (Q), Abraham Lucas (Q)

Key Matchups

Check out the key matchups and mismatches for away team vs home team below.

Tariq Woolen vs. Garrett Wilson

This game features the two best defensive rookies in the league. First up is Seattle’s Tariq Woolen who leads the league in interceptions. At 6’4 and over 200 pounds he runs a 4.26 40-yard dash and has proved that no receiver is too good for him. He will be up against the catalyst of the Jets offense, rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson. He’s hauled in four touchdowns and 996 yards on the year – he’s been a bit inconsistent in his production but can create solid separation from his defenders and is Mike White’s trusted target. He’s on track to become the Jets’ first 1,000-yard receiver since 2015.

DK Metcalf vs. Sauce Gardner

Sauce Gardner is the leading candidate for defensive rookie of the year at the moment. He has allowed a 47% completion rate as the nearest defender, second in the league among cornerbacks with at least 400 coverage snaps. His receivers are rarely targeted, and when they are, he’s usually there to clean up. He will likely be covering Seattle’s DK Metcalf, who is arguably the most physical receiver in the NFL. At 6’4, 235 lbs, he is both taller and bigger than Gardner and is known for his speed and strength after the catch. This should be a very good matchup.

New York Jets Depth Chart

QB: Mike White
RB1: Zonovan Knight
RB2: Michael Carter
LWR: Corey Davis
RWR: Garrett Wilson
SWR: Braxton Berrios
TE1: C.J. Uzomah

Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart

QB: Geno Smith
RB1: Kenneth Walker
RB2: DeeJay Dallas
LWR: DK Metcalf
RWR: Tyler Lockett
SWR: Marquise Goodwin
TE1: Noah Fant