What to Expect as Jets Try to Upset Unbeaten Eagles PLUS How to Watch
The New York Jets close out their grueling season-opening six-game stretch against arguably the toughest opponent of the bunch.
Looking the keep their undefeated record intact, the Philadelphia Eagles (5-0) visit MetLife Stadium for a 4:25 pm ET kickoff on October 15.
The non-conference contest will air live on FOX with Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), former Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez (analyst) and Laura Okmin (sideline) on the call from East Rutherford. Fans in the New York market can listen live via WEPN 98.7 FM.
"This is a huge challenge for us, biggest challenge of the year, with that front seven and the way the DB group plays behind it," said Jets' WR1 Garrett Wilson. "As competitors, we look forward to this opportunity."
Eagles' quarterback Jalen Hurts has won 11 consecutive regular season road starts and he'll face a depleted Jets' secondary on Sunday in the Meadowlands. Gang Green will be without four cornerbacks, including starters Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed. The Jets have called up Craig James and Tae Hayes from the Practice Squad in response to the injury news.
The absence of the Jets' top two shutdown corners bodes well for Philly's dynamic receiving duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The pair has combined for 831 receiving yards on 58 receptions through five games.
On the other side, the Jets will look to challenge a Philadelphia defense that's missing three key pieces. Cornerback Darius Slay, safety Justin Evans and defensive tackle Jalen Carter were all ruled out on Friday.
When it comes to health, Jets' running back Breece Hall has seemingly returned to full strength after tearing his ACL last October. Hall totaled 194 yards from scrimmage on 25 touches in the 31-21 win over Denver.
While Gang Green's primary ball carrier ranks second amongst NFL leaders in yards per rush, the visiting Eagles own the league's top-ranked run defense (61.2 ypg).
"These guys are obviously really good. A lot of players all the way around. Obviously, the big guys up front, too," said Jets' starting quarterback Zach Wilson.
The Jets' right tackle spot is definitely a position to watch throughout the game with Alijah Vera-Tucker now lost for the season. Second-year pro Max Mitchell came on in relief of Vera-Tucker for the remainder of the Denver game, but head coach Robert Saleh has not said whether or not Mitchell will remain there moving forward. Veteran Billy Turner is an option, but he has been backing up left tackle Mekhi Becton thus far.
Jets vs. Eagles (Week 6)
Sunday, Oct. 15 • 4:25 pm ET
Location: East Rutherford, NJ (MetLife Stadium)
Watch: FOX / fuboTV (start your free trial)
Point Spread: Eagles -6.5
Money Line: Eagles -300; Jets +230
Total (Over/Under): 42.5
Odds provided by SI Sportsbook. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-522-4700.
Philadelphia is 12-0 all-time against the Jets and stands as a 6.5-point road favorite to win on Sunday. In their two prior marquee home games, the Jets cashed in for bettors. They beat Buffalo outright in Week 1 and they covered the 8.5-point spread in a 23-20 setback to Kansas City.
An upset in Week 6 would even the Jets' overall record at 3-3 and lay the foundation for a potential playoff run.
"Given that we started 1-3, it would be a huge accomplishment. We wanted to get back to 3-3 going into the bye. That was the plan. That's the position that we put ourselves in when we won last week. We got a chance to chase that," said Garrett Wilson.
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