New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions, 9/10/18 NFL Predictions & Preview

Jets vs. Lions Total Prediction

Will a rookie quarterback and a first-year head coach lead to a lot of offensive struggles when the Detroit Lions host the New York Jets tonight at 7:10PM ET?

Game Snapshot & Odds

479 New York Jets at 480 Detroit Lions

Monday, September 10, 2018

7:10PM ET – Ford Field

TV: ESPN

Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NFL Odds & Betting Page.

Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Lions are favored at home in this game, as they are getting odds of -7 points against the Jets. The over/under total has been set at 44.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 56 percent going on Detroit at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NFL Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.

Jets going with a rookie QB

The New York Jets are coming off a 5-11 record last season which put it near the bottom of the NFL. The Jets were 9-6-1 against the spread and 8-8 with the over/under. Head coach Todd Bowles is entering his fifth season as head coach. He is 20-28 in four years with back-to-back 5-11 seasons.

New York lacked much offense last season, averaging just 18.6 points and 305.3 yards per game. The team addressed that in the NFL Draft by taking USC QB Sam Darnold with the first pick. He has an offense without much in the way of established skill players. Robby Anderson caught 63 passes for 941 yards and seven touchdowns last year. The Jets added Isaiah Crowell in the offseason to join Bilal Powell in the backfield. Powell had 772 rushing yards in 2017 to lead the team. Defensively, the Jets gave up 23.9 points and 352.3 yards per game in 2017. The unit had 28 sacks and 20 turnovers forced. Muhammad Wilkerson has left to leave the pass rush even weaker.

Lions miss the playoffs

The Detroit Lions went 9-7 last season, missing the playoffs. That caused the team to part ways with Jim Caldwell, who was 36-28 in four seasons with the team including two playoff appearances. The team hired Matt Patricia to take over the team. He had been the defensive coordinator for the Patriots from 2012-17. Along with the 9-7 record, the Lions were 8-7-1 against the spread and 10-6 with the over.

The Lions had a respectable offense last year, putting up 25.6 points and 337.8 yards per game. However, their continued lack of a run game has held them back. In, 2017, the team averaged just 76.3 yards per game on the ground. They drafted OL Frank Ragnow with their first pick and RB Kerryon Johnson with their second pick. They also added LeGarrette Blount from the Eagles. That could help Matthew Stafford, who threw for 4,446 yards and 29 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. However, he was sacked 47 times. Defensively, the Lions gave up 23.5 points and 355.8 yards per game. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah had 12 sacks in limited action last year. The team is hoping he can stay healthy this season. Cornerback Darius Slay intercepted eight passes.

NFL Betting Trends

New York

The Jets have hit the under in four of their last five Monday night games and in seven of their last 10 road games.

Detroit

The Lions have hit the over in 10 of their last 11 Week 1 games and in seven of their last nine home games.

Prediction:

The Lions have looked awful in preseason, but I think they will play well today on offense because the Jets don’t have much to offer in terms of pass rush. I also think the Jets will be able to move the ball with Darnold, due to a run game that should have success against a pretty week defensive front for Detroit. I think this game hits the over as both teams will be able to produce scoring drives consistently.

 

NFL Prediction: Jets/Lions Over 44.5