New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The New York Jets didn't expect the Denver Broncos to be in the thick of the AFC West race when they saw this game on the schedule.

But eleven weeks later that is where we they are.

Gang Green travels to Denver on a short week to take on the Broncos on Thursday Night Football.

There is no telling how either of these teams will handle the short week, but we know the respective coaches will have their teams ready to play.

Neither team can truly afford a loss here. The Jets need to keep pace in the wild card while the Broncos chase down the Raiders in the AFC West.

Unlike most of the prime time games so far this year, this one is actually worth watching.

Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High; Denver, Colorado

When: Thursday, November 17th at 8:20 p.m. EST

Watch: NFL Network

Spread: Jets -6.5

The Jets haven't been particularly good on the road this year. They're 1-3 straight up and against the spread in away games and are only 2-3 against the spread as favorite this season as well.

Their loss to New England was ugly, but the Broncos are not the Patriots.

The Broncos are 0-4 in home games against the spread this season and only 1-3 straight up.

Things are different with Tim Tebow under center, but the Jets have a distinct advantage defensively.

Over/Under: 40.5

These two teams have combined to hit the over 11 times so far this season. 

A 21-20 game is easy possibility.

In the last three years the Jets and Broncos have played on a Thursday night a combined three times. All three games have gone under.

Key Injuries

Jets

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB - Doubtful (Knee)

Brodney Pool, S - Doubtful (Knee)

Patrick Turner, WR - Questionable (Kidney)

Broncos

Knowshon Moreno, RB - Out for season (Knee)

Willis McGahee, RB - Probable (Hamstring)

Wesley Woodyard, LB - Probable (Knee)

Fantasy Big Plays

Start 'Em: Tim Tebow, QB, Broncos

Denver has basically reverted back to a high school offense with Tebow under center. They're going to run the football and they don't care if you know it.

The loss of Knowshon Moreno hurts, but it just means the next guy (Lance Ball) has to step up.

Tebow's protecting the football, gaining yards on the ground and simply finding a way into the end zone.

As good as the Jets are against the pass, they're only mediocre against the run.

Sit 'Em: Eric Decker, WR, Broncos

The young receiver is Tebow's favorite target, but he stands no chance against the likes of Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie.

If Tebow even attempts to pass the football at all, he'll be hard pressed for completions.

Key to Jets Win

Dominate the line of scrimmage.

Denver is going to run the football ... a lot.

The Jets, meanwhile, give up 116 yards per game on the ground.

Denver won't have Tebow drop back to pass very often, and when they do they'll go max protection with only a few receivers.

Gang Green needs to make a stand early and often on the line on the line of scrimmage and force the Broncos out of their comfort zone.

The same goes the Jets on offense. If they can establish a ground game they'll be able to use play-action effectively with Mark Sanchez.

Key to Broncos Win

Take advantage of opportunities.

The Jets will make a mistake somewhere. If the Broncos can keep it close early and effectively find success in their ground game, they'll be given opportunities to score points.

That doesn't mean field goals; that means touchdowns.

Denver must not squander any opportunities they get if they want to come away with a win.

Tebow has done a fine job taking care of the ball and he must continue to do so. And if/when the Jets make a mistake, he has to capitalize.

Prediction: Jets 24, Broncos 17