Week 13 Preview: Jets vs. Eagles
Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Game Info
Date: 12/5/2021
Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM EST
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
TV: CBS
Game Odds (Caesars Sportsbook)
Spread: PHI -5.5
Point total: 44
Moneyline: PHI -230, NYJ +190
Fantasy Matchups to Watch
Jets D/ST rank against opposing units (PPR):
Opposing Quarterbacks: 22nd
Opposing RBs: 32nd
Opposing WRs: 17th
Opposing TEs: 24th
The Jets’ defense had their best performance of the season last week when they held the Texans to 14 points (0 in the second half) and allowed only 202 total yards. The key to the Jets’ recent competency on defense has been the resurgence of an underrated defensive line, led by John Franklin-Myers and Quinnen Williams. However, the team has struggled to stop the run all season so the Eagles’ top-ranked rushing offense (157.9 YPG) will be a great test to see if the team has learned from the abysmal performance against the Colts back in early November.
Fantasy Play of the Week (Eagles): RB Miles Sanders
Since his return from an ankle injury, Sanders has posted respectable numbers on the ground (6.32 YPC) despite splitting carries with Jalen Hurts, Boston Scott, and Jordan Howard. However, with Hurts and Howard likely missing today’s game, Sanders is primed to be the featured back in the Eagles’ offense today. Look for the Eagles to establish the run with Gardner Minshew at the helm and break down a suspect Jets run defense. Play Sanders as an RB2 in lineups today.
Eagles rank against opposing units (PPR):
Opposing QBs: 18th
Opposing RBs: 24th
Opposing WRs: 3rd
Opposing TEs: 32nd
The Jets offense has struggled to put points on the board all season outside of two high-scoring outputs against the Bengals and Colts. Rookie quarterback Zach Wilson looked rusty in his return from his four-game absence due to a knee injury but was supported by a run-game that averaged almost 5 yards per carry and guided the Jets to victory. Look for the team to re-use this formula while Wilson acclimates to the speed of the NFL game.
Fantasy Play of the Week (Jets): WR Elijah Moore
While the Eagles’ pass defense has been strong this season, the Jets have begun to unleash Elijah Moore as a weapon in the offense, using creative play-calling to get him the ball on the perimeter and end-arounds. Moore has averaged over 17 PPR points in the Jets’ six games since their bye, so expect Zach Wilson to look for Moore early and often when given the opportunity. Play Moore as a WR3/Flex in your lineups.
Notable Injuries
Eagles
QB Jalen Hurts - Out (ankle)
RB Jordan Howard - Out (knee)
RB Boston Scott - Questionable (illness)
Jets
WR Corey Davis - Questionable (groin)
DL Folorunso Fatukasi - Questionable (back)
DL John Franklin-Myers - Questionable (hip)
OT Morgan Moses - Questionable (knee)
LB Quincy Williams - Questionable (calf)
DL Sheldon Rankins - Doubtful (knee)
TE Trevon Wesco - Doubtful (ankle)
Keys to Victory
Eagles
Offense:
Exploit the Jets’ run defense and control the time of possession by keeping Minshew on-script and in favorable situations.
Defense
Limit the Jets running game and force Zach Wilson to beat them with his arm.
Take away Wilson’s first read and force him to make full-read progressions.
Jets
Offense
Limit turnovers, establish the run game and sustain drives to keep Zach Wilson in manageable situations where he doesn’t feel pressured to play hero-ball.
Avoid three-and-out possessions.
Defense
Limit the explosive plays and get pressure on Gardner Minshew while stifling the Eagles’ run-game and not allowing conversions on 3rd down.
Score Prediction
The Eagles were dealt a huge blow with Jalen Hurts not being available today due to an ankle injury. He is a vital component to their fearsome run-game and creates issues for opposing offenses. Gardner Minshew is a serviceable backup and is capable of winning a game in his absence, but I believe the Jets can capitalize on this opportunity to earn their first win against the Eagles in franchise history.
Jets 21, Eagles 17
