Betting On Jets Eagles – Jets Look To Land Closer To AFC Wild Card Spot Following Visit To Philadelphia

Betting On Jets Eagles – Jets Look To Land Closer To AFC Wild Card Spot Following Visit To Philadelphia

By Tony Bryant

At the midpoint of the 2011 NFL season, both the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles were considered to have been disappointments after failing to live up to expectations through the first half. With three games to go, things haven’t gotten any better for the Eagles, which at 5-8 will have to win each of their remaining games just to finish .500. The same cannot be said against their next opponent however, as the Jets come to town on the heels of three straight wins and in position to clinch an AFC Wild Card spot.

New York Jets @ Philadelphia Eagles

There is no real secret to the Jets’ success in turning their season around, as it has come down to their ability to execute and win the games that they are expected to win against inferior opponents. The next obstacle for New York to overcome will be to win on the road, with two of their final three away from home, and a 2-4 record as the visiting team this season regardless of their status as favorites or underdogs according to the sportsbooks.

Betting On Jets Eagles Preview: New York Jets

To say that things haven’t gone according to plan in New York would be an understatement, as a relatively soft schedule has allowed the Jets to climb back in to the playoff picture in the AFC even though they really haven’t shown enough to be considered true contenders. Quarterback Mark Sanchez is beginning to show improvement against weaker defenses, but he still doesn’t make the best decisions in crucial situations, and that has led to the coach’s decisions to center the offense on him backfiring. New York is at its best when they are pounding the rock with Shonn Greene and allowing their defense to create turnovers, and the more that happens the better their chances of winning become.

Betting On Jets Eagles Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

While it is not the only reason for the Eagles’ lack of success this season, part of the problem has been the injuries that have really hurt the team, particularly at the quarterback spot where fan really have gotten a true appreciation for how important Michael Vick is to this offense. Vick threw for 208 yards and a score while rushing for 38 more and two touchdowns on the ground in his return last weekend, as the Eagles ended a two-game slide with a 26-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. For as much as Vick means to this team however, he will not be able to suit up on defense to help Philadelphia’s 18th ranked rush defense against Greene, and until the front-seven can tighten things up the Eagles will be in trouble.

Betting On Jets Eagles Preview: Outlook & Pick

While the sports betting odds have them listed as the underdogs, the Jets deserve to be favored in this game based on the way that they have played recently. New York’s defense has shown a steady improvement all year and will get after Vick from the opening whistle. If they can manage to even slow him down, then the offense should be able to do enough to clinch a crucial road win for a Jets’ team fighting for an AFC Wild Card berth.