*Article is written in collaboration with Raymond Sanchez.

Game Info

Date: 12/26/2021

Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM EST

Location: Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

TV: CBS

Game Odds (Caesars Sportsbook)

Spread: NYJ -2.5

Point total: 41

Moneyline: NYJ -140, JAX +120

Fantasy Matchups to Watch

Jets D/ST rank against opposing units (PPR):

Opposing Quarterbacks: 27th

Opposing RBs: 32nd

Opposing WRs: 7th

Opposing TEs: 26th

The Jets defense hasn’t played well all season outside of a couple of games. However, this game offers a rare opportunity for the struggling unit to play against an offense that has also been one of the worst units in the NFL. 

Fantasy Play of the Week (Jaguars): 

(Brian) RB James Robinson: The Jets defense has given up the most fantasy points to running backs this season, including at least 17+ PPR points in 3 of the last 4 games. With Urban Meyer out of Jacksonville, expect James Robinson to have a much bigger workload that should be north of 20 touches. Robinson is a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside this week. 

Jaguars D/ST rank against opposing units (PPR):

Opposing QBs: 19th

Opposing RBs: 17th

Opposing WRs: 27th

Opposing TEs: 17th

Despite all of their inconsistencies and drama, the Jaguars D/ST has been a relatively average unit, ranking in the middle of the pack against most position groups.

Fantasy Play of the Week (Jets): 

(Raymond) RB Michael Carter: Michael Carter is one of the few bright spots left in this barren Jets offense. The young stud has proven himself a valuable part of this offense in both the run and pass game. He has proven to be a large part of the Jets offensive scheme when healthy, as Tevin Coleman has been getting more reps since the rookie's absence. Jamison Crowder, likely out this week with a calf injury, will leave receivers Keelan Cole and Braxton Berrios to be Zach Wilson's only main targets. Look for the Jets to lean more on the run game this week because of Wilson’s missing weapons. He is a player that helps our offense gain momentum and helps open up the offensive game plan tremendously. After missing some time this season, the rookie has produced 448 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Notable Injuries

Jaguars

OL Brandon Linder - Questionable (Quad)

WR Laviska Shenault - Out (Protocols)

DE/OLB Lerentee McCray - Out (Ankle)

Jets

OT George Fant - Questionable (Knee)

CB Bryce Hall - Questionable (Illness)

LB C.J. Mosley - Questionable (Back)

DL Sheldon Rankins - Questionable (Knee)

DL Quinnen Williams - Questionable (Knee)

S Elijah Riley - Out (Concussion)

WR Jamison Crowder - Doubtful (Calf)

Keys to Victory

(Brian) Jaguars:

Offense:

• Take advantage of the Jets’ poor run defense and control the time of possession. 

• Keep the pocket clean for Trevor Lawrence and give him time to go through his reads.

Defense: 

• Force Zach Wilson to make plays from the pocket and get through all of his reads.

• Control the line of scrimmage and do not allow the Jets to establish their run game.

(Raymond) Jets:

Offense

• Get the running game going early to open more opportunities for Zach Wilson to make plays downfield. 

Defense

• Stopping the run game, James Robinson can leak some weaknesses in the Jets defensive line, which has struggled recently.

Score Prediction

This game is featuring teams that are both terrible, so we expect the game to be competitive and somewhat entertaining. While this game has major draft implications (we wouldn’t be shocked if neither team wanted to win this game), both sides will be looking for progress from their prized rookie quarterbacks. Expect the Jets to win by the slimmest of margins in what will be known as “The Pooper Bowl”.

Jets 17, Jaguars 13