NFL Betting Game Preview for November 7, 2010: NY Jets (-4) At Detroit Lions

Walker DanielsNov 1, 2010

Betting Overview:

At any point in the last two seasons the NFL predictions surrounding a game between the New York Jets (5-2) and the Detroit Lions (2-4) would swing heavily in favor of the Jets. But with the NFL scores that the Lions have been putting up this season, and the way that the Jets offense has been playing so far—this game is far from a given for the Jets.

The Lions recently welcomed back their starting quarterback Matthew Stafford from injury last week and then promptly beat the Washington Redskins. The Lions offense that features Stafford, wide receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Jahvid Best is rapidly coming together and could be a big problem for opponents in the very near future.

Offense:

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford came back with a vengeance against the Redskins as he threw for 212 yards and four touchdowns while only throwing one interception. Calvin Johnson caught three of those touchdown passes along with 101 yards receiving. There is no question that the Lions offense is getting better, it is just a question of how good can they get and how long will it take them to gel together completely.

The Jets offense is still playing tentative. Second-year quarterback Mark Sanchez looks to be more involved in managing the game, but head coach Rex Ryan is still holding Sanchez back on throwing the long ball. With running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Green having career years, there really is no need for Ryan to take any chances with Sanchez throwing the ball. It also helps that the Jets have one of the best offensive lines in football.

Defense:

The Lions defense is also starting to come together, and this year’s first-round pick by the Lions, defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh, is starting to pay big time dividends. Suh is surrounded by veterans such as Kyle Vanden Bosch who are helping to develop the rookie lineman into one of the game’s premier pass rushers.

The bad news for the Lions is that, as good as their defense is getting, the Jets defense is already there. The Jets are second in points allowed this season by allowing an average of only 16 points against this season.

The Jets also possess a potent running defense that is ranked fourth in the league allowing an average of 89 yards against per game. While putting the game in the hands of quarterback Matthew Stafford is not the ideal situation for the Jets, it is at least easier than having to deal with the running game and passing game.

The Bottom Line:

The Jets are a playoff team, but they do not seem to be living up to the hype. In Week 8, the Green Bay Packers were able to shut down the Jets offense by shutting down the running game and forcing Rex Ryan to rely on his quarterback to win.