Kick-off on the night of Thursday to Friday at 1:15 a.m.
New York Jets (2-6) – Houston Texans (6-2)
The New York Jets season might already be over. With a record of 2-6, their dream of participating in the playoffs was practically buried by the disappointment suffered against the Patriots. If they want to hope for anything, they absolutely have to win this Thursday. Facing them, the Texans approach this match with plenty of confidence. By beating the Colts in week 8, they took the lead in the AFC South. All the signals seem to be green, but this match is not won in advance…
First, because the schedule plays against Houston. This is in fact their third away match in the space of 18 days. Far from being a sinecure! Then, because the Texans don't have good memories of MetLife Stadium. They were crushed by these same Jets in East Rutherford last December, with CJ Stroud suffering a concussion during the game. Historically, New York leads the series 7 to 3, with two victories in the last two games. Finally, because several grains of sand have recently come to halt the beautiful Texan machine. Will that be enough to give the Jets reason to believe?
Is there a pilot in the Jets?
Built to go to the playoffs, this Jets team never ceases to disappoint. Despite players with undeniable talent, and the response to Aaron Rodgers' requests, the mayonnaise does not take effect. After five consecutive defeats, the Jets are 4 victories behind the Buffalo Bills, leaders of the division. But everything is not to be thrown away. Criticized because expected at a better level, the passing game remains correct. The Jets are 13th in the league in terms of yards gained in the air (224.5/game) with an Adams/Wilson/Lazard trio that is scary enough. And even if Aaron Rodgers disappoints, other problems are more glaring. The running game in particular, sadly 30th in the league in terms of yards gained. Given the performance of their defense, this set could be sufficient. Unfortunately, Greg Zuerlein decided otherwise:
Many things wrong w #Jets other than kicking, but if Greg Zuerlein does his job:
Jets 12, Denver 10
Jets 26, Buffalo 23
Jets 26, New England 25
And the Jets are 5-3 instead of 2-6
Amazing— NYPost_Cannizzaro (@MarkCannizzaro) October 27, 2024
On the other side of the field, however, there are many reasons for hope. The Jets' defense is decent against the run, with an average of 125 yards conceded per game which places it in the middle of the table, but it is formidable in the air. Conceding only 161 yards per game, it has the second best record in the league in this area. Whether in terms of defensive backs, with talented players like Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed and Tony Adams, or in terms of the pressure put on the quarterback, with Will McDonald IV and his 8 sacks in as many games this season ( 2nd best total in the NFL), the Jets' anti-aircraft system is efficient. Overall, the New York defense ranks 8th in terms of yards conceded, and 11th in terms of points conceded. A beautiful legacy left by Robert Saleh.
Wounded bull remains dangerous
While CJ Stroud is healthy, his receiving corps is not. The Texans were already deprived of their best receiver with the injury to Nico Collins, they have just lost the second for the season. While the passing game has been out of focus lately, as evidenced by the passing yards average dropping from 7.5 to 6.3 over the last three games, this is another blow. Stroud will now have to deal mainly with Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz, two players who are less flamboyant than last year. Surprisingly for the Texans, this time they will probably have to rely on the running game.
Like their evening opponent, it is therefore the defense which offers the most guarantees. The pass rusher duo Danielle Hunter/Will Anderson Jr. is terrifying, already totaling 13 sacks at the start of the season, and it brings in its wake a very efficient pass defense. With only 164 yards conceded per game, she is on the NFL podium in this sector, just behind… The Jets. A little less success on the defense side against the run, Houston allowing on average 116th yards per game (which still ranks it in 13th position in the league). Faced with relatively little adversity in this sector, this should be enough.
Players to watch: Aaron Rodgers & Joe Mixon
It's time to stop blaming others, Aaron Rodgers must take responsibility. Richly endowed with a duo of receivers that would make many throwers salivate, the veteran only has the 26th rating among quarterbacks who have thrown more than 50 passes this season. It's up to him to quickly get things back on track so as not to drag the Jets down. Otherwise, the question will arise as to whether the New York franchise will want his return next season…
The Texans offense has been much better this season when Joe Mixon is in the mix. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry over the season, scoring five touchdowns on the ground and a sixth through the air. With 503 yards accumulated in just 5 games, he is on the basis of his best statistical season. Often underestimated thanks to the threat posed by his receivers, he will nevertheless be more closely watched this Thursday evening. It's up to him to show that he can carry this attack on his shoulders.
The prediction: Houston Texans
Believe it or not, this match is going to be closer than you might think. Both teams have solid defenses, and the Texans' aerial game, a real strong point in recent months, is deprived of its two best weapons. Advantage all the same for the southerners who are on a much better dynamic than the locals. But be careful of the surge of pride…
