Chargers at Jets Under 43
Only two teams give up fewer points per game than the Chargers. LA holds foes to just 18.2 points a game and rank tied for seventh in sacks with 38. Defensive end Joey Bosa and cornerback Casey Hayward are mong the best at their respective positions.
It’s safe to say the Bryce Petty-led Jets are not going to put up many points. Petty is one of the worst backup quarterbacks in the NFL. He doesn’t pass the eye test, nor do his career statistics of four TD passes and 10 turnovers in eight appearances, including five starts.
The Chargers’ defensive strength is their pass defense and pass rush. The Jets will be running alot trying to control clock and keep the ball out of Philip Rivers’ hands. New York could be down two starting offensive linemen and two of their three best running backs, however. Right guard Brian Winters will be out for the first time since Week 3 felled by an abodomen injury. Center Wesley Johnson is questionable with a hip injury. Matt Forte has a knee injury and Elijah McGuire has been ill. They, too, are questionable.
If you discount their laying an egg against the Chiefs last week in Kansas City, the Chargers have played strong defense on the road holding the Cowboys to six points, Jaguars to 17 in regulation, Patriots to 21 and Raiders to 16 during their previous four away matchups. The Under has cashed in the Chargers’ last five road games.
Traveling cross-country and playing at an early start time are not pluses for Los Angeles. The temperature is going to be in the 40s, but that’s still cold for the Chargers and they aren’t used to possible swirling wind that can occur at MetLife Stadium.
The Chargers also could be down two starting offensive linemen with left tackle Russell Okung questionable with a groin injury and right tackle Joe Barksdale dealing with a hip injury. Tight end Hunter Henry, a much better receiver than blocker, is out for the season after suffering a kidney injury. That means an increased role for Antonio Gates, who is in his NFL dotage.
It’s a plus for the Jets if they get back two star defensive linemen, Leonard Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson. I believe both will play. Williams has cleared concussion protocol and Wilkerson has practiced every day this week after being benched last week for tardiness.
The Chargers have been a strong under team late in the season going above the total just six times in their last 26 December games. Note, too, the Chargers are on their fourth place-kicker. So field goals for them are far from automatic.
(Editor’s note: Stephen Nover has beaten the NFL in 21 of the last 23 years. If you’re interested in receiving Stephen’s picks please email him.)
