A breakdown and pick for Thursday Night Football - Jags at Jets

The Jacksonville Jaguars (6-8) visit the Meadowlands and a game with the 7-7 New York Jets Thursday night. These are two teams going in very different directions, but the oddsmakers have this at pick ‘em (total at 38), according to NFL odds.

Jets Losing Streak at Three

One of the reasons this game is considered so evenly-matched on the NFL wagering board is the situation of the Jets quarterback. After Mike White replaced Zach Wilson, White was injured (ribs) in a loss at Buffalo. Former second-overall Wilson was reinserted against Detroit in a losing effort, and will get the start again Thursday. White wasn't medically cleared to play with this short week.

Wilson had a huge opportunity to win his job back against the Lions in a 20-17 loss Sunday, but wasn't great nor ghastly (18-of-35, 317 yards, two touchdowns, one interception). Regardless, he's the guy against Thursday in New Jersey.

The Jets desperately need to win. Although last in the AFC East, they're still in the fluid playoff race, Getting a win Thursday could drastically change their fortunes.

Jaguars Looking For Third Win in Row

The Jacksonville Jaguars are playing their best football at the moment and the team is on a two-game winning streak. Jacksonville exhumed itself to defeat the visiting Dallas Cowboys, 40-34 in overtime this past Sunday. A game-ending, 52-yard pick-six by Rayshawn Jenkins gave the Jags a fourth win in their last six games.

Jacksonville has become one of the scarier teams to play. Despite a record of 6-8 (and trailing the Tennessee Titans by a game in AFC South), they are also in the playoff mix.

However, the Jaguars have a significant injury issue, now without left tackle Cam Robinson, out the rest of the season (meniscus). Robinson was injured late in the aforementioned win over the Dallas Cowboys, replaced by Walker Little. 

 . . . and then there's Trevor Lawrence, who has completed two-thirds of his passes (24 touchdowns, seven interceptions). The last two games have seen the second-year quarterback compile 686 passing yards (seven touchdowns, one interception), though it remains to be seen what effect, if any, is losing his blind-side protection.

Jaguars to Defeat Jets

As per NFL win odds, the Jags have an expected total of 7½ victories this season, the Jets 8½.

With this game being such a (can we say?) crapshoot when betting online, it will be crucial to check the injury report and NFL predictions, seeing which team is healthier, and with more starters on the field. Regardless, the visiting Jaguars have the momentum, and thus should be able to prevail. Take the Jags at pick ‘em.

Both teams will be playing with some desperation, as a loss signals perhaps the end of any playoff chances. Online sportsbook BetUS has a low total posted at just 38 points, especially with how well Jacksonville's offense has played. Take the over.