The Chargers are coming off a much-needed win in week 8, and they look to keep up their winning ways as they head to MetLife Stadium for Monday Night Football to take on the Jets. The Jets have kept up their chances of making the playoffs, despite the loss in week 1 of Aaron Rodgers, to currently sit at 4-3 (8th in AFC). A big game then, for both teams’ playoff chances, and given the Chargers propensity at close games, this should go down to the wire.
Below, we will dissect the matchup, previewing how we think things will play out, and give out our Best Bet. Make sure you are following BeforeYouBet, as we will have dedicated Match Previews for all Prime-Time NFL games this season, as well as a preview of the main slate on Monday’s. All for free!
NFL Week 9 Preview & Betting Tips
Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets
MetLife Stadium, Tuesday 7th November, 12:15pm (AEDT)
Last Week
The Jets managed to squeak by the Giants last week in a terrible weather game, winning 13-10 in overtime. To be fair, the Giants really should have won the game, but credit where it’s due, the Jets just keep finding ways to win. In one of the more remarkable stat lines of the season, the Giants managed 38 minutes of time of possession, yet only managed 194 total yards, at 2.8 yards per play. They managed only 7 passing yards, in what was obviously a solid performance by the Jets defence. The most pleasing thing for the Jets, however, was the drive at the end of regulation by Zach Wilson, forcing overtime. Wilson showed when the game is on the line, he can get the job done.
As for the Chargers, they belted a Bears team whose rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent was playing his first career road game. The Chargers got out to a quick 14-0 lead, and were never worried from there, running away in a 30-13 victory. Herbert was great, completing 31 passes at 77.5%, for 294 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Chargers would also have been pleased with rookie first-round wide receiver Quentin Johnson having his best game of the season, pulling in 5 receptions for 50 yards.
Injury Report
New York Jets
Bradlee Anae / Ifeadi Odenigbo (DE) – OUT
Chuck Clark / Justin Hardee (DB) – OUT
Aaron Rodgers (QB) – OUT
Alijah Vera-Tucker / Connor McGovern / Wes Schweitzer (OG) – OUT
Al Woods (DT) – OUT
Chazz Surratt (LB) – OUT
Duane Brown (OT) – OUT
Adrian Amos (S) – Questionable
Allen Lazard (WR) – Questionable
Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Williams / Josh Palmer (WR) – OUT
Corey Linsley (C) – OUT
JT Woods / Raheem Layne (S) – OUT
Sebastian Joseph-Day – Questionable
Morgan Fox (DE) – Questionable
Eric Kendricks / Kenneth Murray (LB) – Questionable
Match Preview
These teams last met all the way back in 2020, with the Chargers taking a 34-28 victory at home. Justin Herbert tore the Jets’ defence to shreds, throwing for 366 yards and 3 touchdowns. As usual though, with games this far apart, I take nothing from any historical data in matches between these two teams.
The Chargers were 1.5-point favourites on the lookahead, and after they showed some signs of life on Sunday Night Football last week against the Bears, re-opened at -3 for this clash with the Jets. The Chargers were bet out further, with the number going to 3.5, where it has stayed for the rest of the week. I think I’m a little lower on the Chargers than the market, as I make this Chargers -1, and as such see a good chunk of value on backing the Jets at home on Monday Night Football.
The Chargers have been road favourites once this season, when they closed 2.5-point favourites at Tennessee, where the Chargers went down 27-24. They haven’t been a good team in this situation for many years, and it’s another reason I like the Jets. Speaking of the Jets, they have been home dogs on four occasions this season, where they have gone 3-1 against the spread, beating the Bills and Eagles outright, playing the Chiefs close, and losing by 5 to the Patriots at home. That’s some pretty good form against some very good teams.
As for the total, it was 43 on the lookahead, before dropping to 42.5 at open. The under has been hammered, where it now sits at 39.5. Given how poor the Chargers defence has been this season, I lean to the over in this one, however overs in Jets games, and prime time games, are a no-go zone for me right now.
So, we will stick with the spread, and have a sprinkle on the moneyline also.
Also Backing:
New York Jets to Win - $2.64 @ Betfair (1u)
New York Jets +3.5
$1.91 (2.5 Units)