In a surprising battle between AFC playoff hopefuls, the New York Jets will host the Jacksonville Jaguars for Thursday Night Football in Week 16. Jacksonville has won two in a row and four of their last six to bring them within one game of the Tennessee Titans for the AFC South division lead.
New York has lost four of five and is now in the basement of the AFC East with a .500 record. Mike White’s injury status is top of mind for Jets’ fans after Zach Wilson started for the first time since being benched in Week 12.
Their defense will have to contain Trevor Lawrence and the Jags, who have scored 76 points combined in the last two weeks. New York is a one-point favorite at home, with the point total set at 38.5 heading into this mid-week AFC clash.
After a 1-2 performance in Week 15, we are looking for some redemption and present our holiday edition of TNF player prop best bets for Jaguars-Jets.
Trevor Lawrence UNDER 218.5 Passing Yards
Best Available Odds: -115 at BetMGM
Before Jared Goff threw for 252 yards against New York in Week 15, the Jets hadn’t allowed more than 200 passing yards in a game since Week 7.
That outlier performance was likely aided by the Lions playing at home, whereas the Jags will travel to MetLife Stadium to play a mid-week game at night in late December.
Lawrence has been playing some of his best football lately, having thrown for 310+ yards in three of his last four games. He is averaging 22 fewer pass yards per game on the road and just 222 yards per game in losses this season.
With a close point spread on the road, we will pay to see whether Lawrence can sustain his recent form against one of the best secondaries in the NFL.
Travis Etienne OVER 73.5 Rushing Yards
Best Available Odds: -114 at FanDuel
Etienne rushed for his first 100-yard performance since early November last week in the Jags’ overtime victory against the Cowboys. It was his fourth time doing so this season and the only time he’s accomplished that feat outside of the three weeks from October 23 to November 6.
The Jets have been less invincible defending the run compared to the pass this season. Etienne’s track record on the road in 2022 has not been stellar.
However, if Lawrence gets bottled up by the Jets’ secondary, the team will rely on the young running back’s legs to churn out yards. We project an above-average night for Etienne, who’s on the verge of his first 1,000-yard season as a professional.
Zach Wilson OVER 200.5 Passing Yards
Best Available Odds: -114 at FanDuel
Wilson is getting a chance to start for the Jets due to Mike White’s injury. He was benched for lack of performance earlier this season.
His return to the lineup did not result in a Jets victory last week. White completed just 51% of his throws, but he connected with three different pass-catchers on plays of 30 yards or more and tied a season-best with two touchdown passes.
Jacksonville is 29th in the NFL in passing defense and has allowed 24 passing touchdowns this season. While Wilson may not be the long-term answer for the Jets at quarterback, we expect him to cash this prop for us on Thursday night.
