New York Jets vs Detroit Lions Predictions

The case for Jets +6.5

Detroit is a 6.5-point home favorite after both teams opened the season 1-1. The Lions lost 41-31 at Buffalo in Week 2 despite Jared Goff completing 26 of 38 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns, according to the Detroit Lions. That performance supports Detroit as the likely winner, but it doesn’t settle whether the Lions can win by seven.

Pride of Detroit, a Lions-focused news site, reports that Detroit has blitzed on 42.2% of defensive snaps, the NFL’s fifth-highest rate through two weeks. Geno Smith has completed 14 of 18 passes for 177 yards against the blitz, averaging 9.8 yards per attempt. His early production against pressure gives New York a direct way to attack Detroit’s aggressive defense.

The same report notes that the Jets haven’t committed a turnover and have scored touchdowns on four of six red-zone possessions. Detroit has allowed touchdowns on nine of 10 opponent trips inside the 20. Protecting the ball and finishing drives would help New York stay within the spread even if Detroit’s offense produces another strong game.

Availability and betting verdict

Jets X-Factor reports that New York tight end Mason Taylor is out with a thumb injury. The Jets also signed wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett to the active roster and elevated kicker Jason Sanders and wide receiver Sterling Shepard, according to the New York Jets. Complete starting lineups and broader injury information weren’t available, which keeps confidence low.

Detroit is -305 on the moneyline, while New York is +245 and the total is 48.5. The Lions are the likelier winner, but their moneyline asks bettors to pay a high price with important availability details missing. Jets +6.5 is the lean because Smith’s results against the blitz and New York’s red-zone execution match up with two early weaknesses in Detroit’s defense.