Zach Wilson's Return to Starting Lineup Shrinks Point Spread vs. Texans
Zach Wilson is worth an extra field goal for the New York Jets, according to the betting market.
In the wake of head coach Robert Saleh declaring Wilson as the Jets' starting quarterback for Week 14, the point spread for Sunday's game against Houston dropped by 3.0 full points. The line movement reflects a boost in New York's prospects of pulling out an upset on December 10.
"Zach gives us our best chance to win and giving him another opportunity to go prove that," said Saleh on Wednesday in Florham Park.
The Texans initially opened as a 6.5-point road favorite over the Green & White, but that point spread was set under the assumption that Tim Boyle would be taking the snaps. Although still favored, Houston is less likely to beat the Jets with Wilson at the controls.
Despite a less-than-stellar 73.8 quarterback rating, Wilson has presided over four victories this season, including a Week 6 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The former No. 2 overall draft pick has thrown for 1,944 yards over 10 appearances while completing 59.2 percent of attempts. He has connected on only two total touchdown passes over his last six starts.
Wilson was benched during the third quarter of a Week 11 loss at Buffalo and the Jets proceeded to start Boyle in Weeks 12 and 13. The result was one offensive touchdown combined over back-to-back losses. Having since released Boyle, the Green & White are turning back to the man once thought of as the franchise quarterback.
"He is fired up. Like I said on Monday, he came into my office, he wants the ball," said Saleh. "He is excited about getting this opportunity to finish the season strong."
The Jets (4-8), who average 14.3 points per game (30th in NFL), and the Texans (7-5) will clash at 1:00 pm ET on Sunday in East Rutherford. The AFC matchup will be carried over the air by CBS.
"I am going to have more fun," said a renewed Wilson on Wednesday.
Money line bettors face -200 odds to back the Texans while the Jets offer +160 potential winnings. The point total (over/under) is at 32.5. Odds are provided by SI Sportsbook.
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