Jets vs. Saints Preview

Game: New York Jets vs. New Orleans Saints

Date: December 21st at 1:00 PM ET

Where to Watch: CBS

In the 1 o’clock slate this week in the NFL, there are certainly more intriguing games to keep the main focus on, but the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints too have a game to play. New York has had a tough season to say the least and has offloaded its best talent on the defensive side of the ball. They come into this one on a 2-game losing streak with a 3-11 overall record. Offensively they’re statistically one of the worst teams in the league at 29th in yards per game (275.5), and 27th in points per game (19.7). Defensively they’ve been a little bit better as they’re 20th in yards allowed per game (337.4), but 30th in points allowed per game (28.4). New Orleans has seemingly turned things on as of late and is on a 2-game win streak with a 4-10 overall record. The offense still isn’t great statistically at 26th in yards per game (296.9), and 29th in points per game (16.1). Defensively they’ve been pretty darn good, as they are 11th in yards per game (311.2), and 19th in points per game (23.7). With many guys on these teams still competing for roster spots next season, we should still see some fight out of both teams in what aren’t the greatest caliber teams.

Betting Overview

To open the season, we saw the Saints as just 1.5-point favorites in this one, but with recent play they are now at -4.5. The moneyline has seen this same movement as the Jets sit at +190 (from +102), while the Saints are at -215 (from -122). The total in this one has dipped marginally from 41.5 to between 40 and 40.5.

Position Group & Coaching Comparisons

Coaching: The way this Saints team has rallied behind Kellen Moore has been nothing short of impressive, especially considering this team has nothing to play for this season. Aaron Glenn hasn’t been bad by any means; he just hasn’t been dealt the best hand with his roster, but I’d still lean in favor of the Saints coaching staff.

DLs vs. OLs: When looking at the battle up front, we will be watching bad vs. bad. Neither team is great on the line on either side of the ball. You can argue the Jets are marginally better than New Orleans on both sides; therefore, they will have a slight edge here, but it is not by much.

QBs: Tyler Shough has actually been fun to watch in recent weeks, and he throws a great football. With that said, Tyrod Taylor has way more experience than him, so I’d have to lean slightly toward New York here.

RBs & TEs vs. LBs: This part of the game is where New Orleans easily takes the cake. Breece Hall has still been decent this year, so New York is probably better at the running back position at this point. New Orleans is just better at the other positions here, giving them the edge over the middle.

WRs vs. Secondaries: We should see the most even matchup in this game on the outside, as New Orleans has the better receiving corps, while the Jets have the better secondary. Neither group is particularly prolific, but we should see a good battle on the outside.

Betting Trends

The Jets come into this one with a 7-6-1 ATS record, a 3-2-1 record on the road (all as underdogs), and a 2-2 record in non-conference games. Totals have gone in favor of the over hitting in 9 of 14, with 4 of 6 on the road, and 3 of 4 in non-conference games.

New Orleans has been a below average ATS team this year at 6-8. At home they’ve struggled as they’re 2-5, with a 1-1 record as a home favorite, and a 2-1 record in non-conference. Unders have been popular in Saints games hitting in 10 of 14, with 6 of 7 at home, and hitting in both games as home favorites. In games vs. non-conference opponents unders have hit in 2 of 3.

Final Thoughts

The Jets have obviously struggled as of late, but that isn’t something to get hung up on in this game. They’ve shown to be a pretty strong ATS team on the road this year, so I think they will manage to cover here, though I’m not sure if they’ll win outright. With the total at a pretty low number, I don’t mind the over here either.