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

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