New York Jets (4-2 SU, 4-2 ATS) vs. Oakland Raiders (3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS)
NFL Week 8
Date/Time: Sunday, November 1, 4:05pm
Where: O.co Coliseum Oakland, CA
TV: CBS
by Bob, NFL Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: NYJ -2.5 / OAK +2.5
Over/Under Total: 44
Back in August I would have laughed at this match-up. I would have guessed that both teams combined would have maybe three wins. Well, here we are and this Sunday the 4-2 New York Jets will travel to the west coast to take on the Oakland Raiders who sit at 3-3. Both teams sit in second place of their respective divisions and not only that, this game down the stretch could be huge for each teams chance at a potential wild card berth. The Jets fans are ecstatic and the Raider Nation has returned in full forcethe outta be a good one!
Originally, this line opened as a straight up even pickem game, however, the action laid on the Jets has caused the line to shift and now Oakland is a home underdog at 2.5 points. 64% of the action has been laid on the Jets to go on the road and cover while 52% thinks that this game remains under the posted total of 44 combined points. I never like taking a favorite on the road, especially when they travel across the U.S., but you never know, Oakland is coming off a huge win and could primed for a letdown Sunday.
In the pre season, the New York Jets were an absolute mess. Their quarterback, Geno Smith, was punched by a teammate breaking his jaw and had to be replaced with Ryan Fitzpatrick. However, I never thought Geno was that good anyway so I knew that was not an issue. I just seriously thought this Jets team was not good. I saw them going something like 4-12 or 5-11 at best. Now the team from New York is 4-2 and in second place behind the Patriots in the AFC East division. Why have the Jets been so successful this year? Honestly, it is just pure good play on both sides of the ball. The Jets are ranked 7th in the NFL for points scored and they boast the 4th best scoring defense in the league, allowing just 17 points a contest. This team is playing lights out. Ryan Fitzpatrick has played the quarterback position well enough to maintain but it is the Jets run game that has the offense soaring. Led by Chris Ivory, who already has 500 yards and four rushing touchdowns in 2015, the Jets rushing offense is ranked 3rd in the entire league averaging around 140 a game. This Sunday on the road, the Jets need to keep this pace going. Take the pressure off Fitzpatrick and let the run game be what keeps the offense moving. Not only that, but slow down Oaklands rookie sensation receiver, Amari Cooper, and then we may see the Jets go on the road and pull the win and cover.
I am in no way, shape, or form, an Oakland Raiders fan, not even close, but with that said, it is nice to have them relevant to some capacity. It is kind of like major league baseball when the Yankees and Dodgers are legit, or the NBA when the Knicks, Lakers, and Celtics are all making runs for titleswell, and the 76ers. Anyhow, welcome back Raiders! Now dont get me wrong, I cannot see these guys making a Super Bowl run or heck, they may not even be a serious contender for a playoff spot just yet, but it is obvious that things in Oakland are finally headed the right direction. There really is not a lot of detail to go into with these guys, they are just playing some pretty decent football, at least decent compared to the Raiders we have seen for the last decade. They rank 10th in the NFL in scoring, and behind the arm of young Derek Carr, they are also nearing the top ten in passing too. This weekends key is pretty simple: Get the ball to Amari Cooper and then stop the run. If Oakland can force the Jets to be a passing team, I do not think Fitzpatrick is that guy. Stop the run, stop the run, stop the run. If Oakland does this, I think they cover as well as move to 4-3 overall.
Very simple pick here for me. Home dog in a game that features two pretty average teams. Just take the free points you are handed and ride with the home team. Remember, New York traveled for this while Oakland is home chillin. Raiders win this game 23-21.
Bobs Pick to Cover the Point Spread: TAKE THE OAKLAND RAIDERS +2.5
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