The New York Jets (7-10, 6-10-1 ATS, 7-10 O/U) face off against the San Francisco 49ers (12-5, 9-8 ATS, 9-6-2 O/U) this Monday night. Last season, the Jets finished with a disappointing 7-10 record, while the 49ers topped their division with a 12-5 record and made a strong run to the Super Bowl. This matchup marks the first time these teams have met since the 2020 season.
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High Hopes for Rodgers and the Jets
The New York Jets enter the season with significant expectations. Last year began with high hopes, but an injury to quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first series put a damper on their ambitions. Now, with Rodgers healthy, the Jets boast one of the most formidable defensive units in the league. Failing to reach the playoffs would be seen as a major letdown.
Aaron Rodgers is fit and ready to lead the Jets. Although he did not participate in any preseason games, he has impressed in practice. The veteran quarterback posted 3,695 passing yards in the 2022 season, along with a 26:12 touchdown-to-interception ratio with the Green Bay Packers. The Jets also feature a strong rushing offense led by Breece Hall. The 23-year-old running back had an impressive 2023 season, accumulating 994 rushing yards at an average of 4.5 yards per carry. The receiving corps is bolstered by Garrett Wilson, who has achieved over 1,000 yards in both of his NFL seasons, including 1,042 yards last year. The addition of veteran Mike Williams, who is recovering from a knee injury, adds further depth.
The Jets’ defense has the potential to rank among the league’s elite. C.J. Mosley, the team’s leading tackler, returns to the lineup. The secondary is highlighted by Sauce Gardner, a standout cornerback who deflected 12 passes last season and is expected to match up against Aiyuk in this game. Last year, the Jets ranked second in pass defense, although their run defense struggled at times, finishing 25th in the league.
Last season, New York averaged just 15.8 points per game, placing them 29th in the league, while their defense allowed an average of 20.9 points, which ranked 12th.
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San Francisco: Aiming for Championship Glory
The San Francisco 49ers enter the season as strong Super Bowl contenders. They have reached the NFC Championship game in four out of the last five seasons and fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. The promising news is that they return a nearly identical roster this year and are favorites to contend for the title again.
Brock Purdy had a remarkable 2023 season as quarterback. The 24-year-old played during the preseason and accumulated 4,280 passing yards, complemented by a 31:11 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He has yet to face the Jets in his professional career. The 49ers also feature one of the league’s top running backs, Christian McCaffrey, who led the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards at an impressive 5.4 yards per carry last year. The receiving group is robust, with star wide receiver Deebo Samuel possibly on his way out after the 49ers extended Brandon Aiyuk’s contract last week. Samuel will participate in this game, while Aiyuk had an outstanding 2023 season, totaling 1,342 receiving yards.
Despite having one of the best defenses last season, the 49ers made the surprising decision to fire defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. They still possess elite talent in linebacker Fred Warner and dominant pass rusher Nick Bosa, who recorded 10.5 sacks last year. Although their secondary is solid, it does not quite match the caliber of the Jets’ secondary. The 49ers ranked 14th in pass defense and third in run defense last season.
San Francisco averaged 28.9 points per game last year, placing them third in the league, while limiting opponents to 17.5 points, also good for third in the NFL.
Betting Insights for Jets vs. 49ers
The New York Jets possess a talented roster on both sides of the ball. Aaron Rodgers is in good health, and while he may not have played in the preseason, he has demonstrated impressive form in practice. Throughout his career, he has maintained a commanding 20:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio against the 49ers. Although the 49ers have a competent secondary, it is not beyond Rodgers’ capabilities to exploit. Last season, their pass defense ranked 14th in the league.
Additionally, the Jets feature a formidable defense. It will be a challenge for Purdy to replicate his previous success against an elite secondary, headlined by Sauce Gardner, regarded as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL. The Jets’ pass defense was ranked second last year and is expected to maintain that level of excellence this season.
