Prediction Panel Shows No Confidence in Jets vs. Texans

Unanimous decision suggests Houston will avoid problems on road against New York

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Dec 10, 2023 10:56 AM EST

In this story:

The New York Jets are staring at a sixth consecutive loss according to Sports Illustrated's weekly NFL prediction panel.

All seven experts sided with the Houston Texans in the Week 14 AFC matchup set for December 10 at MetLife Stadium. The Jets (4-8) and the Texans (7-5) are set to kick off at 1:00 pm ET on Sunday.

The good news for Jets' fans is the panel is already 0-1 on unanimous picks this week. Each of the seven panelists selected the Pittsburgh Steeler to defeat the New England Patriots on Thursday night, but the latter escaped the Steel City with a 21-18 victory.

All MMQB weekly selections are straight up. On the betting line, the Texans hold a 3.5-point edge of the Jets after opening as a 6.5-point road favorite. The spread shrunk once the Jets announced a different starting quarterback on Wednesday. Money line bettors must lay -188 odds to back Houston while New York offers +150 odds.

The Jets' floundering offense, which scores at the third-lowest clip in the NFL, turns back to quarterback Zach Wilson in hopes of a boost this Sunday. Tim Boyle, who has since been released, orchestrated one touchdown drive over eight quarters as the starter.

"Zach gives us our best chance to win and giving him another opportunity to go prove that," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday.

There could be opportunities for Wilson to exploit Houston through the air. The Texans allow 7.19 yards per pass play, 29th worst in the NFL. The Jets, however, may want to shy away from the ground game with the Texans limiting opponents to 97.0 rush yards per outing. In addition, RB1 Breece Hall has been banged up lately and is questionable to play.

The Texans' strength resides on offense. Houston owns the NFL's second-ranked passing offense (275.2 ypg) led by rookie field general CJ Stroud. Despite being without rookie receiver Tank Dell, the aerial attack should pose a stiff challenge for Gang Green.

"He is a very unique young quarterback," said Jets' defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich about the Week 14 opponent. "I have seen a guy that is a high-level processer, quick decision maker, sees the field way better than you think a rookie would, and a big part of that is just his poise. I mean, they are leading the League in yardage from a passing perspective, that is unheard of from a rookie’s perspective."