Week 16 of the NFL begins with a very important matchup to define postseason berths when the Jaguars vs. Jets face each other on Thursday Night Football.
Jacksonville is coming off its third win in the last four games after defeating the Cowboys, in overtime, by a score of 34-40. On the other hand, New York recorded its third consecutive loss after being defeated 17-20 by the Lions.
Without further ado, JefeBet brings you the best preview of the stellar match between the Jacksonville Jaguars vs New York Jets.
Predictions, forecast, odds and betting preview for the NFL Jaguars vs Jets Week 16 game on December 22, 2022
Where: MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey.
When: Thursday, December 22, 2022, 8:15 PM E.T.
Odds courtesy of BetMGM.
Betting on Jacksonville Jaguars
Season record: 6-8.
BetMGM Spread: +1.0.
BetMGM Moneyline: (-105).
BetMGMGM Over/Under: 38.5.
Thanks to a powerful offense, the Jaguars are close to a big comeback in the American Conference South Division. However, they will not have an easy obstacle this week when they have to face the tough Jets defense.
All hopes are pinned on Trevor Lawrence, who is coming off a great performance against one of the best defenses in the league, the Cowboys. The QB threw for 318 yards with four touchdowns and an interception, while Dallas allowed more than 500 total yards for the first time this season.
The Jaguars tie for sixth in yards per play average with 5.8 is sixth in TDs through the air with 24, sixth in yards per carry average with 4.9, their offensive line has allowed just 24 quarterback catches and they score on 54.9% of their red zone visits.
Jacksonville’s problem comes on the defensive side of the ball, so it could be a relief to face the Jets’ offense on Thursday. The Jaguars have allowed the sixth-most total yards with 5,190, the fourth-most first downs with 308, the fifth-most TDs through the air with 24 and only twice this season have opponents scored fewer than 20 points. Any strengths? They tie for fourth in fumbles recovered with 22.
Bet on New York Jets
Season record: 7-7.
BetMGM Spread: -1.0.
BetMGM Moneyline: (-115).
BetMGMGM Over/Under: 38.5.
Offensive problems have put the Jets in serious trouble down the stretch and playing at home, against an unreliable Jaguars defense, could be a salvation for them.
None of the three quarterbacks that have started this season have been able to alleviate the offensive shortcomings that have the New York team with the eleventh-lowest number of points scored in the league with 281. The Jets average only 5.3 yards gained per play and through the air, they have the eleventh-lowest number of TDs with 15 while they have 11 interceptions. On the ground, things don’t get any better either as they have the ninth-lowest number of yards with 1,507 and in the red zone, they are the sixth-worst team in touchdown percentage with just 48.8%.
However, when we turn to the defense, things change radically. Only in five games did their opponents score more than 20 points, making them the fourth defense with the fewest touchdowns conceded with 263. In addition, they are equal with the 49ers in the second-lowest average yards allowed per play with 4.8, their 5.4 net yards conceded per pass are the third lowest in the league and they have scored only 13 TDs through the air while adding 12 interceptions. On the ground they run for a low average of 4.1 yards per carry and in the red zone they score in 52.8% of the visits.
JefeBet Prediction
The Jets’ defensive strength will certainly put Trevor Lawrence and company in trouble, but this line of points is very low for a Jacksonville team that is coming off a 40-point outing against the Cowboys and has one of the least reliable defenses in the league.
Yes, the Jets’ offense has only scored one game of more than 22 points in their last eight games, but they will perform better against the Jaguars than they will against powerful defenses such as the Bills and Patriots. In addition, in the last five clashes between the two the Over has been given and in five of the last six duels in New York, the high was also given.
Prediction: Over (JAX 24 – NY 20).
