New York Jets (5-8 SU, 7-5-1 ATS) vs. New Orleans Saints (9-4 SU, 8-5 ATS)
NFL Week 15
Date/Time: Sunday, December 17th, 1:00pm ET
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, LA
TV: CBS
by Bob, NFL Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: NYJ +16/NOR -16
Over/Under Total: 47.5
This Sunday, the New Orleans Saints have a very important game against….the New York Jets. Yes, I know you are asking how can a game against the Jets be important. The reason this game means so much to the Saints is that themselves, the Carolina Panthers, and the Atlanta Falcons are battling not only for a playoff berth, but all three teams have a shot to win the NFC South crown. So at this point in the season, EVERY game is important no matter who you play.
The Jets started out the 2017 season playing pretty competitive. They actually started out the season 3-2 but since that time, they have lost six of the last eight games played. Due to the recent lack of offense and defense for that matter of the Jets, the New Orleans Saints come into this game as 16 point favorites at home. The total points for this game is set at 47.5 combined. As of early Wednesday morning, the Jets were actually getting more of the love with 54% of the documented action in Vegas. As for the total points, 59% thinks the score will stay below the 47.5.
The Saints are coming off of a very close loss to the Atlanta Falcons this past Thursday night. That loss dropped the Saints to 9-4 overall yet they are still sitting in first place in the division and they still control their own destiny in the NFC South race. On the season, New Orleans is ranked 3rd in the NFL in scoring while averaging 28.5 points per game. To go along with the offense, the defense is actually ranked near the top ten in points allowed. This is an ideal match up for the Saints against the Jets and I can see why this spread is such a large one.
The New York Jets are beginning to look more and more like the team we all thought they would be before the season started. I will give credit to the coaching staff and players however in that they never appeared to be tanking this season. They have played with pride and week in and week out they appear to be truly giving their all. On paper, this is not a good game to head into for New York. We already discussed that the Saints can score and their defense is no slouch. Well, the Jets are only averaging 20 points a game on offense while the defense is giving up around 25 points a contest to their opponents. This is not a good combination.
So what needs to be done this weekend for the Saints to get this cover. To be honest, as long as Drew Brees does not turn the ball over and as long as there are no plays whether it be special teams or busted coverages that gives the Jets easy points, I like the Saints in this game and I like them big. With that said, I have a feeling the Jets are going to do whatever it takes to control the clock, shorten this game, and keep the Saints offense off the field. New York’s goal will be to keep this a four quarter game and not let it get out of hand early. If they can do this, I think they can at least keep the score somewhat respectable.
As for the Saints, they need to score early and score fast. If New Orleans can get out to a 14-0 lead early on then I think they can impose their will on the Jets and put them away. Not only are the Jets not good at playing from behind, once the Superdome gets rocking, it is hard for any team to play their…even the NFL’s best. The key for the Saints…score score score. Because there is no way the Jets can keep up.
As much as I want to take the Jets plus the insane amount of points in this game, I just cannot get over the fact that they are truly outmatched by the Saints in every way. I think New Orleans comes in this Sunday and gets an easy much needed win. I think the Saints win this game something like 38-14 and cruises to their tenth win of the year.
Bob’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: TAKE THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS -16. Bet your pick for this game using your credit card at an online bookie where it WILL work for deposits and where you’ll receive a generous 50% signup bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $250! (Example: Deposit $250 and they’ll give you an extra $250 FREE!) Find this great offer at Bovada Sportsbook.