It’s interesting to try to put yourselves in the shoes of the different NFL fanbases. Because not every organization is created equally, nor are they at the same part of the football cycle. You have competing teams but also tanking teams. Emerging teams vs. declining teams. And fans with a wide variety of expectations.

Take the Detroit Lions. For a LONG time, they were the league’s punching bag. Even with great players like Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, and Matthew Stafford. But they have since become a respected competitor. That said, their lack of meaningful postseason success has fans weary. The expectation now is to win every single week, with at least GOING to the Super Bowl the only meaningful barometer for a team that has never been. The window has been open and they are scared it may close.

The New York Jets have suffered a similar fate. The lack of respect for this team has been obvious. But, at 1-1 this year while putting together respectable efforts including a win over the Titans and an overtime loss to the Packers, the Jets are looking to change that narrative. They are playing with “house money” to some degree this week as no one expects them to beat the mighty Detroit Lions. But, for the first time in what feels like a long time, there is a glimmer of hope. I’m sure Jets head coach Aaron Glenn would love to pull one over on his former team here. 

🏅 Jets vs. Lions Expert Pick: Geno Smith Longest Completion Over 35.5 Yards (-115 on DraftKings)

Despite all that hope talk, I do think the Detroit Lions win this contest. But the Jets should be able to punch back. One place the Lions have been particularly susceptible is on the deep passes. Teams have been able to rip off chunk plays against them this year to the point that they have allowed 210 yards on 20+ yard passing plays, which is the second most in the league. And the Josh Allen 43-yard strike to Joshua Palmer was actually the only one of those plays the Bills had - Tyler Shough and the Saints put up 167 yards on such plays with Chris Olave and Devaugn Vele.

There are two reasons this is happening. One is that the Lions insist on playing a lot of man coverage, a trend that has gone back multiple years under Dan Campbell. That can lead to one-on-one situations, which favor deep balls. The other is that BOTH of their starting safeties are on IR in Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. That makes the assignments pretty tough on the outside.

On the Jets side of the ball, they are without their slot WR in Omar Cooper Jr. and are expected to be without tight end Mason Taylor who has a thumb injury. Both Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell are capable of getting behind defenses, so I expect the Jets to take a lot of shots here. And we just need them to land one. 

 

 

 

👀 How To Watch Jets vs. Lions NFL Week 3

  • Where: Ford Field in Detroit, MI
  • When: 1 PM ET on 9/27
  • Watch on TV: FOX
  • Where to stream: NFL+

🔢 Jets vs. Lions Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

 

 

 

🏉 Jets vs. Lions Injury Report & Latest News

One of the bigger storylines is Jets head coach Aaron Glenn facing his former team. Dan Campbell said they know what Glenn is about and that it will be a “60-minute brawl”. He also mentioned the Jets' willingness to take deep shots in the passing game, which we are banking on for our bet. On the injury front, Ben Bartch (foot) sat out Wednesday entirely, while Christian Mahogany (hip), Blake Miller (knee), and Tate Ratledge (elbow) were all limited. So keep an eye on the injury report, but not much there that should affect our deep shot play. As we mentioned, the two safeties being IR is key to our play. 

On the New York side, Geno Smith is completing over 70% of his passes so far in his New York reunion. The Jets do have some serious injury concerns themselves, as safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin) sat out Wednesday. His availability is crucial to the Jets having a shot here. As we mentioned, tight end Mason Taylor (thumb) is expected to miss the game, going week-to-week after getting hurt in Week 2. Edge rusher Joseph Ossai (foot) was limited and continues to be a name to monitor as well.

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