On Sunday, the Detroit Lions (6-7) will visit the New York Jets (7-6) in a battle between two playoff fringe teams. Detroit is 4-1 in their last five and picked up a massive 34-23 win over the Vikings last week. The two NFC North rivals traded blows throughout the game, but the Lions held on to a 21-7 third-quarter lead to emerge victorious. Quarterback Jared Goff was fabulous, finishing 27-of-39 for 330 yards and three scores. The WR duo of DJ Chark and Amon-Ra St. Brown combined for 12 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown.
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Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets Betting Odds
Odds Courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook
The New York Jets remained winless in December after a 20-12 loss to the Buffalo Bills last week. The Jets’ offense was ineffective on Buffalo’s wet and chilly field, failing to score until five minutes into the third quarter. Quarterback Mike White, who has lifted the New York offense since taking over for former starter Zach Wilson in Week 12, was forced out of the game twice due to injury. Backup Joe Flacco saw four snaps, going 1-for-3 with one yard, and lost a fumble. Despite a brutal rib injury, White finished 27-of-44 for 268 yards with no scores or interceptions. The Western Kentucky alum is out for Sunday’s contest against Detroit. Instead, Zach Wilson will return to his starting role in favor of Joe Flacco. The Jets should continue to lean on RB Zonovan Knight. The rookie from N.C. State is averaging 5.1 yards per attempt this season.
Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets Key Stats
Detroit is fifth in the NFL with 26.8 points per game. Quarterback Jared Goff has had his highest quarterback rating since taking the LA Rams to the Super Bowl in 2018. He has tossed 22 touchdowns against seven picks this season. Star WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is eyeing his first career Pro Bowl nod this season. The USC product averages a team-high 74.8 yards per game. Although former second-round pick D’Andre Swift was labeled the starting running back heading into the season, Jamaal Williams has received most of the work this season. Williams leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 14. The duo is 17th in the NFL in rushing yards per attempt at 4.5 a pop.
Their defense has been a disaster, yet they have been much better to their credit over the last four weeks. The Lions allowed 29 or more points five times in their first nine games of the season but have gone four straight games under that number. Also, former third-overall pick Jeff Okudah is amidst a breakout campaign, playing exceptional cornerback for Detroit. Still, the Lions are 30th in the NFL in net yards per attempt, while opposing QBs have tossed 21 touchdowns against nine picks. The rush defense is arguably worse, already allowing 19 rushing scores on the year.
New York has struggled to move the ball on offense all season. They are 22nd in net yards per attempt and have thrown 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season. Quarterback and former first-round pick Zach Wilson led the Jets to a 5-2 record, but was benched after throwing only five touchdowns against four picks. His replacement, Mike White, was a delightful surprise to a relatively poor passing attack, but he suffered a rib injury last week and is out for Sunday’s game against Detroit. Wilson will once again assume starter duties in his stead. The rushing attack was borderline elite with rookie Breece Hall starting for the Jets, but he has since staggered since he landed on the IR after Week 7. However, the Jets have finally found a solid replacement, fellow rookie Zonovan Knight. The 21-year-old has 230 yards and a score on 46 carries.
The defense has been elite under head coach Robert Saleh. They are sixth in points allowed per game and top five in opposing rushing yards and passing yards per attempt. The secondary, featuring rookie sensation Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, has been dominant this season.
Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets Betting Prediction
The Jets and Lions are in near-must-wins with the season winding down and their playoff hopes slowly fading into the horizon. The New York weather and crowd should play a factor against the Lions, especially since they play in a dome in fridged Detroit. If Zach Wilson continues to play like his old self and the Lions take a step back offensively against an excellent secondary, points should come at a premium.
Prediction: Under 43.5 (-110)
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