Falcons vs. Jets Preseason Week 2 NFL Picks: New York Shorthanded Without Zach Wilson
The New York Jets lost QB Zach Wilson to a knee injury in Week 1 of the preseason, and they find themselves as home underdogs in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. We make our top picks for Jets-Falcons below.
Both teams enter Week 2 of the preseason at 1-0. The Falcons won a thriller over the Detroit Lions, while the Jets defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21. However, no one is talking much about either result, as all the conversation heading into this matchup has been about the health of Jets’ starting QB Zach Wilson and Falcons rookie wide receiver Drake London.
Even if he was healthy, it’s unlikely Wilson would have been on the field in Week 2, yet without him, most of our top-rated sportsbooks actually have the Falcons pinned as the favorites for Monday night. Mike White and Joe Flacco should split time at quarterback for the Jets, and both pivots are more experienced than Falcons QB Desmond Ridder, even if Ridder led an impressive game-winning drive last week.
Here are our Falcons vs. Jets NFL picks for preseason Week 2 (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook).
Falcons vs. Jets Game Info
Date/Time: Monday, Aug 22, 8 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Weather: 71 degrees, 40% chance of precipitation, 9-mph winds
Falcons vs. Jets Odds Analysis
The Jets opened as 1.5-point favorites for this contest, but the number quickly swung in favor of the Falcons. Despite this movement, pregame.com is registering that most of the money and tickets are coming in on the Jets to cover the spread. Atlanta is still listed at -1 as of Saturday morning.
From a total perspective, the number opened at 38, and it has gone as high as 39.5 before dropping back down to 39. Some books, such as FanDuel, have the total at 38.5, but they are hanging inflated juice of -115 on the Over.
Falcons vs. Jets Picks
Falcons vs. Jets ML Pick
Jets (+115)
It’s hard to understand why the Jets are home underdogs in this one. They may be a bit shaken up due to what happened to Wilson in Week 1, but their backups are significantly better than the Falcons’. Chris Streveler, who will likely see some action at quarterback in this game, threw for two touchdowns in the victory over the Eagles last week, while Mike White recorded 98 yards in a 10-for-20 passing performance.
Flacco saw no action in Week 1, but if Wilson is unable to go in the regular season opener, it would make sense for the Jets to want to get a look at the former Super Bowl champion.
The Falcons defense leaves a lot to be desired, and while Ridder was able to sneak out a win in Week 1, it’s going to be hard for him to do it against a Jets’ defense that is better than Detroit’s. The Jets really should be favored, and since they’re not, take advantage of the favorable moneyline.
Falcons vs. Jets O/U Pick
Over 39 (-110)
This is a really low number for two teams that just scored in the 20s last week. Weather shouldn’t be a huge factor, as rain is expected early in the day but should slow by kickoff. The Jets need to work on their offense, just in case Wilson misses more time than they expect, and what better time to test some things out than against one of the worst defenses in football?
For the Falcons, Ridder showed he can be a playmaker in Week 1 of exhibition play. He led the team in rushing with six carries for 59 yards, and it’s hard to imagine the Falcons’ run game getting going against the Jets if it struggled badly against the Lions.
This should be a pass-heavy game on both sides. Expect both teams to get in the 20s again, and don’t be surprised to see the Jets win this one running away.
Where to Bet on Falcons vs. Jets Picks
Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:
FanDuel Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
PointsBet
BetMGM
SEE ALSO: All picks, odds, and sports betting news. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.
Falcons-Jets picks made 8/19/2022 at 4:20 p.m. ET
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