by Ben Perks
The New York Jets hit the road to face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 of the NFL. New York goes into this Thursday Night Football game off the back of a rare win. However, the Colts will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing 34-31 to the Tennessee Titans in Week 8. Get the latest team news and odds for the first football matchup of the week.
Although the Jets are one of the worst NFL teams this season in terms of scoring, they will be high in confidence after securing an impressive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. New York mounted a late comeback from a double-figure deficit to win the game 34-31. But despite the win, online sportsbooks have the Jets as huge underdogs to beat the Colts.
When looking at the wealth of talent the Colts have in their lineup, it’s unsurprising that they’re heavy moneyline favorites. However, they’ve struggled to hit top form this season, played poorly in Week 8, and have a 3-5 record. So, could the Jets pull off another miracle and upset the odds in the first game of Week 9?
Game Preview: Jets vs. Colts
Although the Colts are disappointingly hanging onto second place in the AFC South Rankings, they have quality players who know how to change the direction of a game. Leading that group of game-changers is center Ryan Kelly. The 28-year-old earned his place on this year’s NFL Top 100 Players list by putting in solid performances week in week out for the Colts. Guard Quenton Nelson and Deforest Defensive tackle are also stars that can provide ample cover for their Quarterback.
However, the argument for the Jets pulling off an upset comes from the Colts’ QB issues. In last week’s game, current QB Carson Wentz threw the game away by conceding two ill-timed interceptions in the overtime loss. The first went to the house for a pick-six, and the second set up a game-winning field goal for Tennessee.
In a weird twist for the Jets, the absence of quarterback Zach Wilson could be a blessing in disguise. Mike White filled in last week, and in his first NFL start, he put on an exceptional display. He went for over 400 yards, a few touchdowns, and showed good decision-making to limit mistakes. Yes, he threw two picks against the Bengals – but this is unsurprising after a long absence. If White can stop committing those mistakes and maintain his yardage, Zach Wilson could be spending more time on the bench this season.
Despite the upbeat mood surrounding the Jets, the Colts should have enough to get the win. However, the results of both teams were against the odds in Week 8, and this new season has been unpredictable. Therefore, placing a moneyline bet on the Jets might not be as ridiculous as the odds suggest.
Monday Injury Report
Indiannaplois Colts
- Did not participate in training: WR T.Y. Hilton (concussion), CB BoPete Keyes (hamstring), S Khari Willis (calf)
- Limited participation: G Quenton Nelson (toe)
New York Jets
- Did not Participate in training: RB Tevin Coleman (hamstring), WR Corey Davis (hip), OL George Fant (ankle), DL Bryce Huff (back), TE Trevon Wesco (knee), QB Zach Wilson (knee)
Recent Head-to-Head Record
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09-27-2020 | Indianapolis Colts | 36-7 | New York Jets |
| 10-14-2018 | New York Jets | 42-34 | Indianapolis Colts |
| 12-05-2016 | New York Jets | 10-41 | Indianapolis Colts |
| 09-21-2015 | Indianapolis Colts | 7-20 | New York Jets |
| 10-14-2012 | New York Jets | 35-9 | Indianapolis Colts |
| 01-08-2011 | Indianapolis Colts | 16-17 | New York Jets |
| 01-24-2010 | Indianapolis Colts | 30-17 | New York Jets |
| 12-27-2009 | Indianapolis Colts | 15-29 | New York Jets |
| 10-01-2006 | New York Jets | 28-31 | Indianapolis Colts |
| 11-16-2003 | Indianapolis Colts | 38-31 | New York Jets |
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Ben is a sports journalist & part-time trader with a passion for finding +EV bets. Ben lives in Madrid, Spain where he enjoys the live poker scene, and sunshine where he covers UFC, MLB, NHL, NBA, as well as tennis betting.
