Jaguars vs Jets Preview & Free Pick [December 22nd 2022]

Jacksonville (6-8) at NY Jets (7-7)
When: Thursday, December 22nd 2022
Where: MetLife Stadium,
East Rutherford, NJ
Time: 8:15 ET | TV: Prime
Opening Odds: New York -1.5/42

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In a game that looked like a dud when the schedule was release in the Spring, now takes on significant importance, as the Jacksonville Jaguars visit the New York Jets to kick off Week 16 action. Both teams are very much alive in the playoff hunt and a loss would be devastating. The Jaguars have turned things around dramatically to put themselves in position to steal the AFC South title and clinch a postseason berth. They have won three of their last four to move within one game of the Tennessee Titans. The Jags play at lowly Houston next week, then close with the Titans in what could be a winner-take-all game in Week 18. Jacksonville is coming off a huge upset win over the Dallas Cowboys 40-34 in overtime to put them in great position. Down 21-7 at half, Trevor Lawrence and company scored 27 points in the second half before before Rayshawn Jenkins’ 52-yard interception return of a touchdown sealed it.

The Jaguars will take on a Jets team that is starting to fade after a 5-2 start to the season. New York has lost three in a row as the offense continues to struggle. The most recent was a 20-17 loss last week at home to the Detroit Lions. Zach Wilson, the second overall pick in 2021 after Lawrence, will make his second straight start for the injured Mike White (ribs) after losing his starting job earlier this season. Wilson passed for 317 yards last week, but was just 18-of-35 passing. The last time these two played was in Week 16 of the 2021 season and New York won 26-21 at home. Lawrence threw for 280 yards, while Wilson had 102 yards with a TD as well as a 52-yard rushing score. It was the fourth all-time matchup of rookie quarterbacks taken with the first two picks in the draft. The Jets are slim 1-point favorites on Thursday with a total of just 36.

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Lawrence seems to be a new quarterback under head coach Doug Pederson and has been sizzling of late. The former Clemson standout threw for 318 yards and four TDs in last week’s upset victory over Dallas – three to Zay Jones. Lawrence connected on 27-of-42 passes and has 13 of his 24 touchdown passes in the past five games. Jacksonville played without rookie No. 1 overall pick and linebacker Travon Walker due to injury and lost left tackle Cam Robinson during the game. Safety Rayshawn Jenkins set career highs of 18 tackles and two interceptions including the game-winner in overtime. The Jaguars are 3-1 against the spread in their last four games overall, but just 2-8-1 ATS in their past 11 on the road. Jaguars defensive lineman and former Jet Foley Fatukasi (ankle) missed Tuesday’s practice.

The Jets are now on the outside of the AFC Wild Card chase – one game behind the Miami Dolphins, who they will play in Week 18. Wilson led the go-ahead TD drive with 4:41 left, but on fourth-and-1 from their own 49 with under two minutes left, the Lions scored on a tight end screen pass for a 20-17 lead. Wilson then got the Jets passed midfield, but Greg Zuerlein missed the tying 58-yard field goal. Running back Zonovan Knight and receiver Denzel Mims both left the game injured. The team’s best defender, tackle Quinnen Williams, didn’t play. Knight is the only one not on this week’s injury report. Garrett Wilson recorded 98 receiving yards on just four receptions in Week 15. New York’s defense continues to shine, ranking fifth in points allowed (18.8) and third in yards allowed (305.4). The Jets 5-1 ATS in their past six after a loss.

I’m taking the Jets. Jacksonville is just 2-5 on the road and the offense is going to have a hard time against this Jets defense. New York’s offense isn’t great but Wilson showed some progress last week.

Week 16 NFL Staff Selections

Pick: Jets -1

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