The New York Jets (3-9) welcome the New Orleans Saints () on Sunday afternoon for an interconference matchup. The Jets have dropped four of five, including a 33-18 beating at home from the Philadelphia Eagles a week ago. The Saints (5-7) have lost five games in a row, a streak that started the week after they lost quarterback Jameis Winston to an ACL tear for the season. Trevor Siemian filled in for Winston in the next four games, all losses, and then Taysom Hill came on to start on Thursday against Dallas, throwing four interceptions in a 27-17 loss. Can the Saints figure things out against a rebuilding Jets team?
Don’t miss our NFL betting preview.
NFL Preview: New Orleans Saints at N.Y. Jets (Sunday, December 12)
When: Sunday, December 12, 2021, 1:00 pm ET
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
TV: CBS
Radio: WWL 870 AM New Orleans / WEPN 98.7 FM New York City
Live Stream: Hulu
NFL Odds: New Orleans -5.5 / O/U 43 // New Orleans -230 / New York +190
Why should you bet on the Saints?
The Saints lost to Dallas by ten, but seven of those points came on a late pick-six by the Cowboys’ Carlos Watkins. Other than a 58-yard touchdown run from Tony Pollard, Dallas could not run the ball. They also struggled to stop the run, particularly when Taysom Hill simply took a snap out of the Pistol formation and ran the ball; in fact, it was surprising that New Orleans didn’t take an approach that asked Hill to throw the ball even less. Hill ended up throwing for 264 yards and two scores, and running for 101 yards.
The Saints have a swarming run defense that should put a lot of pressure on Jets quarterback Zach Wilson to throw from second down and third down and long. They can also get after the quarterback, so when Wilson does have to throw, he is likely to have to do so in a chaotic pocket. If you like New Orleans, you see a defense-first approach slowing down the Jets and the Saint offense focusing on pounding the ball.
Why should you put your money on the Jets?
Remember – the Jets have beaten Cincinnati and Tennessee this year. Their third win came two games ago, down in Houston against the Texans. Zach Wilson is still learning his way in the NFL, where the defenses are much faster than they are in college. He has a 6:11 TD:INT ratio, and one of his top targets, Corey Davis, is done for the year thanks to surgery to repair a groin injury.
Last week, the Jets faced an Eagles team starting Gardner Minshew II at quarterback instead of the injured Jalen Hurts. He went 20 of 25 for 242 yards and two scores, both to tight end Dallas Goedert, as the Jets’ passing defense had a hard time getting stops. The Jets gave up scores on every Philadelphia possession except their last one. Wilson went 23 of 38 for 226 yards and two passing touchdowns, along with a rushing touchdown. He threw an interception in the fourth quarter, allowing the Eagles to increase their lead. The Jets also scored touchdowns on their first three drives, making the game feel like a track meet. However, after halftime, things changed, as the Eagles held the ball for all but 70 seconds of the third quarter. If you like the Jets, you see their defense putting forth a more effective effort against this week’s backup quarterback.
Final Score and Betting Prediction
I was impressed by the Jets’ offense in the first half against Philadelphia, but the failure of the Jet defense was surprising. I think their effort will be more effective this week, and I also think the Saints will not play as well away from home as the awareness of a lost season sets in. I predict a final score of New York 23, New Orleans 20.
New Orleans Saints at N.Y. Jets : Bet the Game Today
NFL Betting Odds
Love betting NFL football? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date NFL lines
Check out XBet’s NFL Calendar: Dates, Scores, Tips, Previews, and Predictions
