Chargers vs. Jets: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The New York Jets (6-8) haven't had a pretty season thus far and neither have their Week 16 opponents, the San Diego Chargers (5-9).

Actually, these two teams are some of the most talented yet infuriating squads in football.

Neither team has played up to its talent level, and both will enter the offseason wondering what could have been. The skill is there, but neither of these teams have put up consistent enough performances to find sustained success.

Both of the teams' problems stem from the quarterback position. The Chargers' Phillip Rivers has completely stumbled into mediocrity from his previously elite status, and the Jets' situation, well, that's too long a story. The only thing people need to know is Greg McElroy, who will replace Mark Sanchez as the starting quarterback for this Sunday's game.

This game sets up to be a battle of disappointments, with the only thing on the line being, most likely, jobs. 

When: Sunday, Dec. 23 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

TV: CBS (check local listings)

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Listen (radio): Free Football Radio

Spread: Jets -2.5 (via Football Locks)

This type of game is why people advise against betting. It's a virtual toss-up.

The matchup features two very underachieving teams. Both the Jets and Chargers have steady defenses that are offset by shaky offensive attacks. 

However, the Jets will be starting McElroy for the first time in his career. That lack of experience at such an imperative position should give the Chargers the slight advantage in this contest.

Over/Under: 40.5 (via Football Locks)

The Chargers and Jets have two of the most inept offenses in football. The Jets average only 18.2 points a game, and the Chargers aren't much better at 21.4.

On the flip side of the ball, both teams' defenses rank in the NFL's top 13. 

With a pair of attacks that seem to produce more interceptions than touchdowns going against stout defenses, take the under. Even with the low threshold of 40.5.

Injury Report (via CBS)

New York Jets

CB	Aaron Berry	Hamstring		Did not practice. Questionable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
TE	Jeff Cumberland	Ankle, wrist		Full practice. Probable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
WR	Braylon Edwards	Hamstring		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
DT	Kenrick Ellis	Knee		Full practice. Probable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
TE	Dustin Keller	Ankle		Did not practice. Doubtful for Week 16 vs. San Diego
S	LaRon Landry	Heel		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
LB	Garrett McIntyre	Hamstring		Full practice. Probable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
RB	Joe McKnight	Ankle		Full practice. Probable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
LB	Calvin Pace	Shoulder		Full practice. Probable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
DT	Sione Po'uha	Back		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
RB	Bilal Powell	Shoulder, toe		Full practice. Probable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
QB	Mark Sanchez	Back		Full practice. Probable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
LB	Ricky Sapp	Ankle		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
WR	Chaz Schilens	Calf, knee		Did not practice. Questionable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
LB	Bart Scott	Toe		Full practice. Probable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
QB	Tim Tebow	Ribs		Full practice. Probable for Week 16 vs. San Diego
LB	Bryan Thomas	Chest		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 16 vs. San Diego

San Diego Chargers

12/19/12	RB	Ronnie Brown	Hamstring		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 16 at N.Y. Jets
12/19/12	LB	Donald Butler	Groin		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 16 at N.Y. Jets
12/19/12	DT	Aubrayo Franklin	Knee		Did not practice. Questionable for Week 16 at N.Y. Jets
12/19/12	WR	Eddie Royal	Hamstring		Full practice. Probable for Week 16 at N.Y. Jets
12/19/12	LB	Takeo Spikes	Hamstring		Did not practice. Questionable for Week 16 at N.Y. Jets
12/19/12	LB	Demorrio Williams	Ankle		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 16 at N.Y. Jets

Fantasy Big Plays

New York: RB Shonn Greene

Green is the Jets' only consistent offensive option, and the sole player on their roster that fantasy owners should consider starting during the playoffs.

He isn't a fantasy superstar by any means, but the Jets do hand him the ball nearly 18 times a game, so that means touches and, by extension, yards.

If he rushes for more than 49 yards on Sunday, Green will eclipse the 1,000-yard barrier. It may not be a fantasy milestone, but it means Green is a solid six-to-10-point play every week.

The Chargers allow only 97 rushing yards a contest, but if you’re seeking a stable flex play, Green is worth a look.

Projected Stats: 18 carries, 76 yards

San Diego: San Diego Defense

It takes a heck of a game for an average running back and a defense to be fantasy spotlights, but that's how this contest is likely to go.

The San Diego defense forces turnovers—it's gone over double-digit fantasy points in four of the last seven games—and the Jets turn it over a lot. They have the third-most turnovers in the NFL this season.

Seems like a great matchup for the Chargers huh?

And don't forget, New York's quarterback will be making his first ever NFL start.

Expect the Chargers defense to turn in yet another double-digit fantasy performance.

Projected Stats: Two Interceptions, four sacks and 10 points allowed

Key To Victory

QB Play

With these two teams, it's hard to point to anything else.

Rivers hasn't been himself this season, tossing 15 interceptions to just 22 touchdowns. When the Chargers have found success, it's because Rivers has played like the Pro Bowler he used to be.

In the Chargers' wins, Rivers has completed 70.5 percent of his passes, throwing 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. But in their losses, Rivers completes just 61.7 percent of his throws and has tossed 12 interceptions to 11 touchdowns.

Telling numbers, but the Jets' quarterback situation is even more perilous.

McElroy will be making his first ever start behind what has been a suspect O-line, complemented by a wide receiving core that's about as exciting as a box of oatmeal.

It's going to be tough for McElroy to find success.

Whichever quarterback performs better is likely to lead his team to victory.

Prediction 

The Jets are just one week removed from being a borderline playoff contender. Now, they're the tabloid talk of the league due to their turbulent quarterback situation.

The Chargers haven't exactly been a beacon for steady play either—Norv Turner is likely to lose his job at the end of the season—but their issues are nothing compared to those of the Jets.

Expect an opportunistic San Diego defense to take advantage of McElroy's inexperience and for the Jets’ soap opera season to continue.

Final Score: Chargers 21, Jets 10