Week 9 of the NFL season wraps up tonight as the New York Jets (4-3) host the Los Angeles Chargers (3-4) on “Monday Night Football.“
Despite their high-flying offense and an astounding season from quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers are not even in second-place in the AFC West. Their defense has struggled all season long, to the tune of 24 points per game allowed, 23rd-most in the NFL. The Jets meanwhile, have an opportunity to snag second-place in the AFC East away from the favorite Buffalo Bills, after the Bills lost on “Sunday Night Football” to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Chargers are coming off a 30-13 win over the Chicago Bears. Star halfback Austin Ekeler had been having a rough season up until that game. He’d dealt with injuries and, since returning from injury, he had yet to reach the endzone in three games. Ekeler found his groove in last week’s contest though, racking up seven receptions, 94 receiving yards, and a score. With the Jets secondary being one of the best in the NFL, there is a good chance the Chargers will rely on Ekeler out of the backfield during tonight’s MNF game.
The Jets, meanwhile, have been one of the luckiest teams in the NFL. Despite their winning record, the New York has been outscored by their opponents. The New York Giants took the Jets to overtime last week and that was with backup quarterback Tommy Devito throwing for -1 yards in the game. If the Jets want to win against Justin Herbert on Monday night, they will need to control the ball. Luckily, halfback Breece Hall has been on a tear as of late. He has found the endzone in three straight contests and his utilization as a pass-catcher would make even Ekeler jealous. He’s the focal point of the Jets offense and for good reason, because the Jets are 4-0 when Hall rushes for more than 100 yards or scores a touchdown.
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Ethan Matthew writes, “After losing their 1st two games, both as favorites, L.A. is slowing getting back on track. The Chargers rank 7th in yards per game (362.4) while the Jets are 30th (273.3 yards). It shouldn’t be easy but the Chargers should pull off a win as QB Justin Herbert is completing 68.6% of his passes the past 2 weeks while Jets QB Zach Wilson is sitting at 47.2%.”
Sam Panayotovich says, “New York’s defense is no joke. The Jets held Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor to eight – yes, eight – passing yards last week. Robert Saleh is pushing all the right buttons on the defensive side of the ball and I love the Jets’ ability to pressure Justin Herbert.”
Getting to Herbert will be monumentally important for the Jets to win. Herbert ranks second in the NFL in completion percentage when given a clean pocket (73.8 percent).
ESPN analyst Eric Moody reasons, “New York is playing at home, and the Chargers are traveling from the West Coast to the East Coast. This season, the Jets’ defense has been strong, ranking ninth in run stop win rate and allowing the fifth fewest opponent passing yards per game.”
“With a total under 40,” says Luke Lindholm, “Our experts think it’s wise to grab the points with the Jets at home and see them keeping this game within a field goal.”
Brian Costello points out that Jets tackle Mekhi Becton struggled mightily against Kayvon Thibodeaux and the Giants defensive line last week. Chargers defensive ends Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa could prove very problematic for the Jets if Becton has not figured out what went wrong last week.
Mack has seven sacks on the season, but six came in one game. He still has the capability to tear a game apart. The Jets cannot allow that to happen.
When: Monday, Nov. 6, 8:15 pm ET/5:15 pm PT
Where: MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Cable TV: ABC
Streaming: ESPN app, FuboTV
Jets vs. Chargers:Catch all the action with Fubo
The Chargers are favorites to stay undefeated in 2023 with a win over the Jets, according to the BetMGM college football odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2023.
*all times Eastern
*all times Eastern
Monday Night Football betting preview:Latest odds, trends and props for Chargers vs. Jets
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