Jaguars vs. Jets Picks, Lineup Tips for Daily Fantasy FanDuel, DraftKings

In many recent years, a late-season matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets likely wouldn't have been the most entertaining game. Both these franchises have endured some struggles amid the growing pains that come from trying to build a contender.

But this year is different, and the Jags and Jets are starting to reap the rewards of their early picks in past NFL drafts. In fact, both are in the thick of the playoff race in the AFC, making Thursday night's matchup between the two teams an intriguing one.

Entering Week 16, Jacksonville (6-8) is only one game back of the Tennessee Titans in the AFC South with three regular-season contests to play. New York (7-7), meanwhile, is only a game out of a wild-card spot and jockeying for position with a handful of other teams.

So this Jaguars-Jets matchup should be fun to watch. And there are plenty of players on both sides capable of big performances, which is enticing for people who want to fill out lineups on DraftKings or FanDuel for the contest.

Here's some DFS advice to consider for the opener of the Week 16 slate.

Travis Etienne Is a Solid Pick for Captain/MVP

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) rushes for yardage during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

The Jaguars offense has a challenging task Thursday night, as the Jets defense has been one of the best in the NFL this season. However, Jacksonville's offense has been on a roll of late. And if you're looking for a high-volume Jags player, Travis Etienne is the clear choice.

Etienne ($14,400 on DraftKings; $14,000 on FanDuel) has logged 16 or more touches each of the past three weeks and is coming off one of his better performances in more than a month. Last week, the 23-year-old running back had 19 carries for 103 yards, his first 100-yard game since a Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

That was also the last time that Etienne scored a touchdown. The Clemson product is due to get back in the end zone, considering how involved he's been in a successful Jacksonville offense.

Because Etienne will be one of the most talented players on the field Thursday night, he's a solid choice for captain/MVP in DFS lineups. New York's defense has been just a bit better at stopping the pass than the run, so Jacksonville may need to rely on Etienne if it hopes to keep its momentum going.

Zach WIlson May Actually Be the Smarter QB Play in the Matchup

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) steps back to pass against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Trevor Lawrence has been putting up big numbers of late, having thrown three or more touchdown passes in three of the past four weeks. But the Jaguars quarterback has the highest DFS price tag ($17,100 on DraftKings; $16,500 on FanDuel) of any player in Thursday night's matchup.

That's why it may be better to go with Jets QB Zach Wilson ($14,700 on DraftKings; $15,000 on FanDuel), who lost his starting job earlier in the season but was back under center last week in place of the injured Mike White. In a loss to the Detroit Lions, Wilson passed for 317 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Wilson wasn't too efficient in that matchup, completing only 18 of his 35 pass attempts, but that doesn't matter for fantasy purposes. His yardage totals and amount of touchdowns are most important, and there's a chance he could put up more solid numbers in those categories against the Jaguars.

Jacksonville is giving up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, so there's a chance the 23-year-old QB will match Lawrence's performance, if not surpass it.

Elijah Moore Could Be a Great Value Play Among WRs

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

New York Jets wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) runs with the ball against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

There are quite a few wide receivers in Thursday night's matchup who will cost more of your DFS budget than Elijah Moore ($7,200 on DraftKings; $7,500 on FanDuel). That's why the 22-year-old Jets playmaker is a great value play for lineups.

Moore has been much more involved in New York's offense of late than he was at times earlier in the season. Over the past three weeks, the Ole Miss product has been targeted 23 total times. However, that's resulted in only 12 catches for 118 yards and no touchdowns.

Still, it's a sign that the Jets want to get the ball in Moore's hands. And with a solid matchup against the Jaguars on Thursday, he may do a better job of capitalizing on those increased opportunities.

Don't be surprised if Moore scores his first touchdown since Week 12. If he does that, then he should be well worth the low price that it took to get him in a DFS lineup.

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