Near the end of a horrendous season, New York Jets fans finally got their wish. Todd Bowles, possibly in an attempt to deflect criticism hurled at him, announced that Bryce Petty will start the final four games beginning at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14, essentially ending the tenure of Ryan Fitzpatrick in the Big Apple. It’s time for Petty to prove he can be the future quarterback, but at least the Jets have one. The San Francisco 49ers continue to search for answers at the most important position after their duo did nothing in the team’s 11th straight loss.
This contest in Week 14 of the regular season will go down Sunday, December 11, 2016, at 4:05 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
New York Jets +2.5
San Francisco 49ers -2.5
Over/Under 44.5
Odds Analysis
The 49ers opened as a 1-point home favorite and that was wagered to -2.5 when the Jets announced a change in quarterback. The Niners have gone into a game as the favored team just once this season, and it didn’t turn out very well as they were whacked by Tampa Bay 34-17 at Levi’s Stadium in Week 7.
Injury Report
Nick Mangold – The Jets’ center returned to the lineup on Monday night after missing four games with an ankle injury and promptly reinjured the ankle, leaving the game in the second half. The Jets offense had been stagnant without him and the line did very little against a Colts defensive front that has been pushed around for much of the season.
Calvin Pryor – The Jets were without their starting safety on Monday and confusion in the secondary led to two Indy scoring passes to wide open receivers. I’m not sure if Pryor’s backup, Rontez Miles, was to blame for the screwed up coverage, but we likely wouldn’t have seen two had Pryor been in the lineup.
Player to Watch
The Jets made the right move in handing the starting job to Petty for the final quarter of the season. They certainly aren’t going anywhere and Fitzpatrick isn’t the answer at his advanced age and with declining skills. So, it’s up to Bowles and his coaching staff to take a good look at the 2015 fourth-round pick to see if he has the tools to be team’s No. 1 guy moving forward. Petty certainly has the size and arm strength. He put up ridiculous numbers in college in a fast-paced attack at Baylor, but will need to show he can become a pocket passer and leader in the NFL.
Petty struggled on Monday night completing just 11 of 25 passes for 135 yards and a pair of interceptions. It wasn’t the ideal spot for the second-year backup, coming in after halftime with his team trailing 24-3 and everybody remaining at the stadium knew he was going to throw the ball. The upcoming situation is much more favorable. Petty will have a full week of first-team reps in practice. He’ll face a 49ers defense that’s not very good, and he’ll be away from the fish bowl of the New York market. This game won’t decide if Petty is the guy going forward, but it’s likely the best for success of the remaining games.
Free ATS Pick
Both teams were downright awful in last week’s games but the Jets were just a tad worse, and if that trend continues, the Niners are in a good spot to end their winless skid. But as we all know each week is different and presents a new set of challenges. The Jets were scolded by Bowles for their lack of effort in a 41-10 pasting by the Colts and when the coach gets perturbed, players better listen. Bowles made several moves during the game benching Fitzpatrick and defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson in the second half.
If those decisions don’t light a flame under the collective ass of the Jets, there is no hope. While the Jets have been pitiful for the last month, the Niners have been awful all season. The offense hit a new low against the Bears with Colin Kaepernick completing just one pass in three quarters. The Niners opened as the favorite and it’s a great opportunity for them to end their slide. However I expect the Jets to respond to their coach’s tongue-lashing and Petty’s presence in the lineup to come away with the win.
NFL Odds: Jets 20, 49ers 17
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