The New York Jets went to work in Week 12, blowing out Miami 38-20 at home to set up a big showdown against in-city rivals the New York Giants. It doesn’t get any bigger than this (except if they meet in the Super Bowl of course) with the Jets in the hunt for an AFC Wild Card spot, while the Giants look to climb back atop NFC East after a tough loss to Washington.
Read on for everything you need to know ahead of this rivalry game. If you’re up for more football, check out our complete previews for the Cardinals vs. Rams and Broncos vs. Chargers.
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New York Jets vs. New York Giants Preview
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
When: Sunday, December 6, 1:00 PM ET
Line: New York Jets (-2) at New York Giants (+2); total: 45.0 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the New York Jets (6-5)
The New York Jets took their sweet time in a 38-20 blowout of Miami at home in MetLife Stadium. They now face their shortest road trip of the season, back in their own stadium as the visiting team against in-city rivals the New York Giants. The Jets have plenty to fight for, being on the bubble for a Wild Card spot in the AFC Playoffs.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick stands a good chance of torching the Giants’ secondary, which allowed 302 yards passing in a loss against Washington on Sunday. Fitzpatrick had his best performance since joining the New York Jets this season, throwing for four touchdown passes against the reeling Miami Dolphins. He finished 22 of 37 for 277 yards and a season-high 118.9 passer rating.
Wide receiver Brandon Marshall also had a stellar outing. He had his most productive game with nine catches for 131 yards and two touchdowns as Fitzpatrick’s No. 1 target. When Marshall couldn’t get free, Eric Decker was there to give Fitzpatrick another outlet. Decker caught five passes for 62 yards and a score. With two solid weapons at his disposal, Fitzpatrick should be able to exploit a Giants passing defense which ranks last in the league with 309.2 yards allowed per game.
Running back Chris Ivory could also be a potent weapon. Ivory clinched the victory with a solid 31-yard touchdown run, breaking four tackles along the way, in the fourth quarter. The Jets running back finished the game with 87 yards on 21 carries, including the 31-yard score. Ivory should be able to have his moments against a mediocre Giants rushing defense, which ranks around the middle of the league with 110.5 yards allowed per game.
The Jets could also have a big day on the other side of the ball. They have a strong passing defense, which could limit a one-dimensional Giants offense. The Jets are allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete just 56.3 percent of their passes, the lowest mark allowed by passing defenses in the league.
The Jets have a shutout secondary to thank for their success against the pass. Strong safety Marcus Williams has a team-high five interceptions this season; he had his fifth pick against the Dolphins on Sunday. Cornerback Darrelle Revis has three interceptions; he’ll likely be matched-up against the Giants’ solid receiver, Odell Beckham Jr.
The Jets are 1-4 ATS in their last five games.
Betting on the New York Giants (5-6)
It was a very bad outing for the Giants’ Eli Manning, who threw three interceptions in a 20-14 loss on the road against Washington. Despite his three interceptions, Manning still found a way to move the ball with 321 yards and two touchdowns albeit on 26 of 51 passing.
Manning favored Odell Beckham Jr. the most among his receiving corps. Beckham led the team with 18 targets, nine receptions and 142 yards against the Redskins. But the sophomore wide receiver may struggle in this game, facing off against a solid cornerback Darrelle Revis. The Jets’ defense has not allowed a 100-yard receiver in two of their last three games.
While getting past the Jets’ solid passing defense may be difficult, Manning may be the man to get the job done. He’s won his lone two starts against the Jets. But he didn’t do so without struggling, completing just 42.3 percent of his passes for 411 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the two games.
If Manning is to carve up the Jets’ secondary, he’ll need his other receivers to step up. Ruben Randle had just one reception against the Redskins, but made the most of it with a 36-yard score. Will Tye hauled in six receptions for 74 yards. Having a handful of viable receivers should give the Giants a winning shot in this game.
On the other side of the ball, the Giants are tied with Atlanta for the worst pass rush in the league with just 12 sacks. But they’ve been excellent in picking off opposing quarterbacks, tied for third with three other teams with 14 interceptions this season.
The Giants are 5-0 SU and 4-0-1 ATS in their last five against the Jets.
Writer’s Prediction
The Jets ride Fitzpatrick and Ivory to a big victory. Create a betting account now and catch some tense rivalries in the NFL.
