Thursday Night Football Odds, Picks & Predictions: Jaguars vs. Jets (Week 16)
On Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET, the Jacksonville Jaguars (6-8) play the New York Jets (7-7) in New Jersey on Prime Video as both teams cling to life in the playoff race.
On Sunday against the Detroit Lions, the Jets went back to Zach Wilson after the Buffalo Bills nearly ended Mike White’s season. The Jets lost another close game 20-17, and with a record of 7-7, they are now outsiders in the playoffs.
With three additional touchdown throws to Zay Jones on Sunday, Trevor Lawrence, who has been leading the Jaguars’ recent revival, helped the team overcome a 17-point deficit to defeat Dallas 40-34 in overtime. The Jaguars are still in contention for a division title and a potential postseason berth thanks to this victory and another loss for the Tennessee Titans.
Let’s take a closer look at how this one might play out in the Meadowlands.
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
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NFL Week 16 Thursday Night Football Odds, Picks & Predictions (Jaguars vs. Jets)
Details
- Opening Line: Jets -1 | O/U 41
- Current Line: Jets +1.5 | O/U 37.5
- Last meeting: December 26, 2021 – Jaguars 21, Jets 26
Overview
The Jaguars have a lot riding on their performance on Thursday after going from being division underdogs to probable division champions in the space of four weeks. When the Jaguars go to the struggling New York Jets, they are attempting the improbable feat of winning the AFC South.
The victory over Dallas the previous week positions Jacksonville well to do just that. The Jets (7-7) — who have dropped three straight games — are the next opponent, followed by games against the abysmal Houston Texans and a rematch with the Titans to finish the season.
After the Jaguars came back from a 17-point deficit, safety Rayshawn Jenkins made the crucial plays to help Jacksonville pull off the shocker against Dallas. He achieved career highs with 18 tackles and two interceptions, as he intercepted a Dak Prescott pass that was tipped, grabbed it off his shoe, and returned it 52 yards for the winning points.
In terms of offense, Zay Jones caught a career-high three touchdown passes, while Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall choice in 2021, continues his recent ascent. Lawrence had a career-high 318 passing yards, four touchdown passes, and one interception, adding to his last five games in which he has completed 13 of his 24 touchdown passes.
Mike White (ribs) is still out, thus Wilson, the second overall pick in 2021 after Lawrence, will make his second consecutive start. New York’s season now depends on Wilson’s performance after he lost his starting job earlier this year. In last Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Lions, Wilson threw for 317 yards, his career’s second-best yardage total, throwing two touchdowns and one interception.
For a New York team that had previously had four straight victories and possessed a 5-2 record, the most recent setback comes as a major blow, and the Jets are currently heading the wrong way and fast.
Bottom Line
The Jets have not practiced at full strength this week either due to injuries to cornerback Brandin Echols (quadriceps), receivers Denzel Mims (concussion), and Jeff Smith (knee). As for the Jag’s injuries, Jacksonville left tackle Cam Robinson tore the meniscus in his right knee last week and is probably going to miss the rest of the year. Foley Fatukasi, a former Jet and defensive lineman for the Jaguars missed practice on Tuesday due to an ankle injury.
As far as this matchup goes, five of the previous seven meetings have been won by New York, including a 26-21 triumph at home last year. Look for the Jags to get their revenge in this one.
Pick: Jaguars -1.5
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