Last Updated on January 17, 2010 1:00 pm by Anthony Rome
Jets vs. Chargers Pick
In a battle that will feature the league’s best defense against one of the league’s best passing attacks, the San Diego Chargers will host the New York Jets at 4:30PM ET.
Rookie running back Shonn Greene rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown to lead the Jets to a 24-14 win as 2.5-point underdogs in Wildcard Weekend. The combined score went over the posted total of 34.5 points.
The Chargers were off last week, but beat the Redskins 23-20 as a 3-point favorite in Week 17, while the combined score went over the posted total of 39.5 points. Backup quarterback Billy Volek threw for 216 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the win, while Malcolm Floyd caught nine passes for 140 yards.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Chargers 8-point favorites over the Jets in this Divisional Round matchup. The over/under total for this game has been set at 42 points.
Led by quarterback Philip Rivers, the Chargers have averaged 28.4 points per game this season and 271.1 passing yards per contest. They’ve been unstoppable for months and entered the playoffs as the league’s hottest team.
That said, there’s no way they should be 8-point favorites in this game. Home field advantage and a bye week counts for something, but the Jets have the best defense in the league, including the best pass defense. They’ve held opponents to just 153.7 passing yards per game this season.
The Chargers can’t stop the run. They’re allowing 117.8 yards per game on the ground this season and the Jets have the league’s best rushing attack, led by Greene and Thomas Jones. The Jets are going to run at will today, which means the Chargers are going to have a tough time covering the 8 points. We also love the under in this matchup, as the clock should be moving from the start.
Our NFL Divisional Playoff Free Pick for this matchup is: NEW YORK JETS +8 and UNDER 42.
Jets vs. Chargers Current Odds
115 New York Jets +8 (+250 moneyline) Over 42
116 San Diego Chargers –8 (-300 moneyline) Under 42
NFL Divisional Playoff Betting Trends
NY Jets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games
NY Jets are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
San Diego is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Jets
San Diego is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against NY Jets
NFL Divisional Playoff Injury Report
NY JETS
[DT] 10/20/2009 – Kris Jenkins IR ( Knee )
[RB] 10/26/2009 – Leon Washington IR ( Ankle )
[LB] 12/10/2009 – Larry Izzo IR ( Neck )
[CB] 01/11/2010 – Donald Strickland "?" Sunday vs. San Diego ( Quad )
[LB] 01/11/2010 – David Harris "?" Sunday vs. San Diego ( Ankle )
[P] 01/12/2010 – Steven Weatherford is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. San Diego ( Illness )
SAN DIEGO
[NT] 09/19/2009 – Jamal Williams IR ( Tricep )
[LB] 10/20/2009 – Antwan Applewhite IR ( Hamstring )
[LB] 11/18/2009 – Jyles Tucker IR ( Ankle )
[OT] 11/23/2009 – Jeromey Clary IR ( Ankle )
[DE] 12/09/2009 – Ogemdi Nwagbuo IR ( Ankle )
[C] 12/23/2009 – Scott Mruczkowski IR ( Knee )
[DE] 01/11/2010 – Jacques Cesaire probable Sunday vs. NY Jets ( Elbow )
[FB] 01/11/2010 – Jacob Hester probable Sunday vs. NY Jets ( Shoulder )
[LB] 01/04/2010 – James Holt IR ( Shoulder )
[WR] 01/11/2010 – Legedu Naanee probable Sunday vs. NY Jets ( Foot )
Posted: 1/17/10 12:00PM ET