Certainly, Jets head coach Todd Bowles is on a very hot seat. And also suffers from a credibility gap. Extending Bowles’ problems are back to back 5-11 NFL betting seasons. Admittedly the Jets were working with a stripped-down roster last year. However significant progress must be shown by New York in 2018. Now the Jets are pinning all of their hopes on Sam Darnold. Subsequently the third pick in the draft is touted as the quarterback of the future. And that future may be now. Which means the Jets will focus on Darnold’s development this preseason.
Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Jets
Date and Time: Friday, August 10, 2018, 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
NFL Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falcons | +3½ (-110) | 34½ (-110) |  |
| Jets | -3½ (-110) | 34½ (-110) | |
| |||
Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Jets TV Coverage: NFL Network
Atlanta Falcons
Head coach Dan Quinn has led Atlanta to consecutive NFL betting playoff seasons. In spite of their heartbreaking Super Bowl loss to New England the Falcons remain strong. A strong distinction for the Falcons is quarterback Matt Ryan. In contrast to 2016 the offense took a bit of a dip last year. In addition, there was a transition to new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. And yet Ryan still passed for over 4,000 yards with 20 touchdowns. Weapons like Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman, and Tevin Coleman put fear in defenses. Another threat is Alabama draft pick Calvin Ridley.
Filling Up Gaps
As mentioned earlier the offense regressed under Sarkisian. Overall Atlanta’s biggest task in preseason is getting the unit in sync with its coordinator. After last year Sarkisian is tasked with showing better judgement. Equally important is coherent game planning. Josh McCown is the starting quarterback with a target. In spite of lacking a top back or receiver New York will focus on a committee offense approach. Concurrently preseason will be about filling offensive gaps. Defensively a pass rush and corner play will get attention this summer.
New York Jets
Indeed, the hype over Sam Darnold is over the top in New York. Consider that Jets CEO Christopher Johnson has said. Johnson claims Darnold’s arrival will be looked upon in 20 years as the moment the team found a new gear. Encompassing the hype is that Darnold is the Jets highest quarterback draft pick since Joe Namath. Accordingly, he will be given every opportunity to win the starting job.
Team vs Team
Atlanta has been an unreliable preseason road team lately. To show they have paid in just three of their last eight in that role. Six of their last eight road exhibitions went under the total. In contrast the Jets have been a strong preseason home team. For example, New York has covered seven of their last 10 exhibitions as a host. Additionally, their last five in that situation went under the total. What’s more the Jets have covered their last two preseason sportsbook matchups with Atlanta. Further both games went over the total.
Matchup to Watch
In brief the Jets have been a reliable NFL betting pick in preseason. On the whole the excitement of Darnold should add to that profit margin. On the contrary Atlanta has the luxury of protecting top assets for the regular season.
Falcons vs. Jets Betting Odds Pick
In sum the Jets make for a solid home pick.
NFL Betting Online Pick: New York Jets
NFL Betting Online Score Prediction: Jets 23, Falcons 13
Check out Jets coach Todd Bowles discussing Sam Darnold’s chances of winning the starting QB job!