Heading into the Week 4 preseason game, the quarterback situation remains unclear for both the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles, but for different reasons. The Jets are looking for a starter between three capable candidates; the Eagles are hoping their starter is cleared to play once the regular season gets underway. Sam Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, has done enough to earn the starting gig, but Jets coach Todd Bowles isn’t about to reveal his plans. The Eagles, meanwhile, are waiting on medical clearance for Carson Wentz.
This preseason Week 4 matchup is schedule for Thursday, August 30, 2018, at 7 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field.
NFL Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu
New York Jets PK
Philadelphia Eagles PK
Over/Under 37.5
Odds Analysis
Every Week 4 preseason game is basically a toss-up, but according to the oddsmakers this one really is. The Jets have struggled on the road during the preseason under Todd Bowles, and that could be the deciding factor in this one. The total hit the board at 37.5, which seems high when wondering where the points are going to come from.
Quarterback Rotation
It’s unusual for a team to sign a quarterback to its roster this late in the preseason, but the Jets added John Wolford in advance of Thursday’s finale. Presumably he was signed to take snaps on Thursday so the trio of Darnold, Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater isn’t exposed to injuries. Darnold, who many believe will start the regular season opener, certainly won’t play, but we saw McCown take snaps in last year’s finale and he’s played just one series this preseason, so he definitely could use the work.
Bowles and his staff are in a good position with three QBs who could start. If the Jets keep three on the roster the decision is simple and we aren’t dealing with all this noise. So there’s a good chance only two remain after cutdown day, and the problem is deciding who stays. So, in the meantime we will probably see Wolford take some snaps. He’s not totally new to the system after taking part in the Jets rookie mini-camp this summer.
While the Eagles wait for Wentz to be cleared by the team’s medical staff, Nick Foles will enter the regular season as the team’s starter. The Super Bowl MVP has struggled in his outings, but dealing with injuries hasn’t helped. Foles won’t play on Thursday and it’s unlikely that Nate Sudfeld plays since he will be the primary backup if Wentz can’t go for the opener.
That leaves Joe Callahan and Christian Hackenberg available to play on Thursday. Neither took the field last week and Hackenberg hasn’t played since signing a few weeks ago. Callahan is 10 of 21 for 98 yards in two games and Hackenberg is a former Jet who was let go by the team after never seeing action in the regular season.
Coaching History
The Eagles have the Super Bowl title but Bowles has the advantage over Doug Pederson in the preseason matchups. The teams have met every year since 2001 and the Jets have taken two of the last three preseason matchups in a head-to-head duel between coaches. Both New York victories took place at MetLife Stadium, including a 16-10 win last year.
Bowles is 1-2 SU and ATS this preseason and owns a 7-8 career record in tune-up games. The Jets have struggled on the road during the preseason going 1-6 SU and 2-5 ATS in their last seven on the road under Bowles.
Free ATS Pick
It’s hard to imagine where the offense is going to come from with guys like Wolford, Hackenberg and Callahan likely getting a bulk of the snaps. The Jets haven’t scored more than 17 points in any game this preseason and played below the total in all three. The Eagles haven’t been much better and were shutout last week with the Super Bowl MVP taking snaps.
Bowles and Pederson are more concerned with other things and they would like to get through this game without any incidents or injuries. This could be one of the most boring games of Thursday’s slate and I don’t see points being scored, making the under a winning pick. You might as well go with the home team to cover with Wolford likely seeing time for the Jets after joining the club just this week to take snaps in this game.
NFL Betting Odds: Eagles 10, Jets 6
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! This preseason Week 4 matchup is schedule for Thursday, August 30, 2018, at 7 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field.
