Coming off their bye, the New York Jets look to continue their impressive start to the season when they host the injury-ravaged Redskins.
New York had a week off to heal and prepare for a Washington team that suffered four more injuries to starters in last week’s overtime loss in Atlanta. The Redskins played in MetLife Stadium just three weeks ago, falling 32-21 to the Giants.
ODDS
New York opened as a 5.5-point favorite and the line was quickly wagered to -6. The total hit the board at 41.5. The Jets are 1-1 ATS at home this season and just 2-7 ATS in their last nine at MetLife Stadium. The total dipped to 40.5 which is the lowest on the board as of this writing.
KEY INJURIES
Bashaud Breeland – Suffered a rotator cuff contusion last week against Atlanta and is questionable to play on Sunday, adding more injury issues to a Washington secondary already dealing with plenty.
Matt Jones – Sprained his big toe in Atlanta and is listed as day-to-day. Alfred Morris will likely get more carries out of the Skins backfield if Jones is limited.
Marcus Williams – Left practice this week with a strained hamstring. There was no initial word on the severity. Darrin Walls is getting closer to his return giving the Jets and experienced nickel back if Williams can’t play.
KEY MISMATCH
After serving a four game league suspension for marijuana violations, Pro Bowl defensive end Sheldon Richardson rejoined the Jets this week, vowing to upgrade their already stacked defensive line. Winners in three of four games before their bye week, the Jets did just fine without Richardson’s all-around play, establishing themselves as one of the better defensive teams. They’re ranked No. 1 in scoring defense and No. 2 in yards allowed, getting solid play from Richardson’s replacement, first-round pick Leonard Williams. The group also includes former first-round pick Muhammad Wilkerson, who has a team-high 3.5 sacks, and nose tackle Damon Harrison. Coach Todd Bowles won’t decide on Richardson’s role until closer to game time, but it sounds like his snaps will be limited as he works his way into football shape. “We’ve got some good defensive linemen, and they’re all going to play,” Bowles said.
KEY STAT
13.8 – New York’s NFL-low points allowed per game. The Jets defense faces the Redskins who are 26th in the league in scoring with 19.4 points per game.
BETTING ANGLE
There’s something different about this team, something they haven’t displayed the past two seasons. The Redskins already have lost four starters to season-ending injuries. They had four more sidelined against the Falcons last week. And they nearly won. Probably should have won. To become a contender, even in a division having a down year, a team must win on the road. And to be taken seriously, a big win on the road makes others take notice. The Redskins haven’t yet made anyone take notice. That’s why this week is a big one. They have another shot at a big road win. The road has been unkind to Washington, however, losers of both this season and five straight dating back to last year. The Skins are also 5-11 ATS in their last 16 roadies.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Jets’ defense leads the NFL in points allowed and is second in passing yards and total yards. Now they’re getting one of their better defensive linemen back in the lineup. Richardson served his suspension and is eligible to return, though his snaps will likely be limited, his presence makes the Jets even scarier up front. Washington had success when it was able to run the football, but the Skins struggled last week against a mediocre Atlanta run defense and may have suffered a bigger blow with an injury to Matt Jones, who’s split time in the backfield with Alfred Morris. If the Skins can’t run they’re in trouble having to rely on Kirk Cousins to move the offense. The Jets will shut down the run game and force Cousins into a few costly mistakes to come away with a cover win.
New York 27, Washington 19
BookMaker sent out the NFL odds for this Sunday game at New York -5.5 with a total of 41.5. Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next quarter. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The game between the Washington Redskins and New York Jets will take place Sunday, October 18, 2015, at 1 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium. The contest will be broadcast regionally on FOX.
