Week 9 Thursday Night Football Preview

Houston Texans @ New York Jets

8:15pm EST / Prime Video

HOU: Charlie, Jesse, Dillon, & Zach

NYJ: Adam and Ian

Despite having a healthy QB Aaron Rodgers, a pair of young stars in RB Breece Hall and WR Garrett Wilson, newly-acquired WR/BFF Davante Adams, and a top-tier defense, the Jets have turned out to be one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL after entering the season tied for the seventh-best odds (+2000) to win the Super Bowl (Dallas). On the other hand, the Texans, who also came into the year as Super Bowl favorites in their own right (T-6 at +1600 odds with Buffalo and Green Bay), have only continued their successes with their trio of second-year budding stars QB CJ Stroud, DE Will Anderson Jr., and coach DeMeco Ryans at the forefront. On paper, the Jets’ season should only get worse when the Texans visit MetLife Stadium. However, it might not be that simple.

Sure, the Jets face a Texans defense that has been allowed the lowest completion percentage, fifth-lowest QBR, and sixth-lowest total passing yards so far. But Rodgers has all of his weapons at his disposal. Stroud will not be as lucky as he will face an arguablh much tougher defense without his top two receivers (Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs). Luckily, the Texans have a stockpile of weapons, mainly RB Joe Mixon and WR Tank Dell, that they should be able to rely on in order to run this offense. Considering an opening spread of 1.5 points in favor of the Jets, this figures to be one of the closest games of the week. Can you trust the Jets or will they continue their spiral? Can the shorthanded Texans push through a strong defense? The Reserves are split on this one. - Adam Houston