NFL Monday Night Football Betting Preview & Prediction: Bills vs. Jets (Week 1)
The Jets host the Bills on Monday night for the season premiere of Monday Night Football. This means the long awaited debut of Aaron Rodgers in New York is finally here. Rodgers was added to a Jets team that surprised many last year. They got off to a 7-4 start before falling apart at the end of season and finishing 7-10. HC Robert Saleh is hoping Rodgers is the missing piece to take this roster to the next level. Let’s take a look at our betting advice for NFL Monday Night Football, Week 1.
NFL Monday Night Football Betting Preview & Prediction
Rodgers is coming off of a career worst year with a 41.3 QBR, 26th best in the NFL. This had him nestled between Matt Ryan and Russell Wilson in the rankings. His 12 INTs were one less than his career high that was set in his first season as starting QB. He had a young, inexperienced group of receivers in Green Bay last year, but there is concern that these numbers had more to do with his age as he now if entering his age 39 season. Even at these numbers, however, Rodgers is a step up from the play the Jets dealt with last season. Against a pass defense in Buffalo that was second in DVOA last year, we will find out if it is enough.
The Bills continue to have their sights set on another AFC East title. These divisional road games will be important in a year where all four teams are gunning for the crown. Their offense has been elite the last few years with QB Josh Allen at the helm, including some solid performances against the stout Jet defense from a year ago. Allen had success in both games, but shot himself in the foot on the road with two costly interceptions in the loss at New York. The Bills will look to get the running game going outside of Josh Allen in this matchup.
The biggest matchup in this game is the New York front seven against the Buffalo offensive line. The Jets have invested heavily in this defensive line and they’ll go up against a rather pedestrian Bills’ offensive line. No doubt Allen will be under pressure but there are few QBs who can scramble out of the pocket as effectively. In the traditional run game, RBs James Cook and Damien Harris should help carry the load that Allen has shouldered the last few years but this matchup with New York might prove to be a tough matchup for both.
Even though the offenses will get the marquee recognition in this matchup, I see this being a defensive battle. These are both elite defensive teams that will make things difficult for opponents all season. Both units should give the star QBs fits in Week 1 and lead to a low scoring game.
Pick: Under 45.5 (-110)
More Picks for Monday Night Football
- NFL Monday Night Football Same Game Parlay Picks
- NFL Monday Night Football Player Prop Bet Odds & Picks
- NFL Monday Night Football Touchdown Scorer Picks
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts