The New York Jets have not had a regular season winning record since 2015. Despite this, they enter the 2024 NFL season with legitimate championship aspirations.
While Aaron Rodgers is the obvious beacon of hope, he played just four total snaps last season. The 40-year-old has now made his recovery from his Achilles tear and will look to take the franchise to their first playoff appearance since 2010. The oddsmakers believe in Rodgers’ impact.
The New York Jets enter the season with the 11th-best odds to win it all at +2000 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Jets also hold the 6th-best odds to win the AFC at +600, are co-favorites with the Bills at +180 odds to win the AFC East, and have -175 odds to make the playoffs. Their season-long win total sits at 10.5 games with the under being favored at -145 odds.
DraftKings Drive for Week 5- Record after Week 5: 4 Wins (+200)
There is an immense amount of pressure on the Jets this season. It is unclear how much longer Aaron Rodgers has left in his career and both he and the franchise will be looking to capitalize on the time they do have.
With that being said, it also is uncertain if Rodgers will even return to the level of play the four-time MVP has flashed before. This factor, as well as the concern for re-injury, makes it difficult to believe in the Jets for a season-long prop. This is especially the case considering how competitive the AFC East will be as both the Jets and Dolphins hold playoff aspirations of their own.
Even if Rodgers isn’t quite the player he once was, the Jets will be in good hands. They possess a dominant defense and several playmakers on the offensive side of the ball.
Last year, the Jets held opponents to the 3rd fewest yards, 2nd fewest first downs, and ranked 12th in scoring defense by giving up just 20.9 points per game.
Unfortunately, the offense could not muster up just about any production to help out this impressive defense. Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle all had their struggles and combined for 11 touchdowns and 33 turnovers as a group.
Overall, the offense ranked 29th in the league in scoring at 15.8 points per game, ranked 31st in yards, 30th in turnovers, 32nd in first downs, and 29th in score percentage. Somehow the Jets still managed to limp their way to a 7-10 record. Simply put, if Rodgers can just be closer to the middle of the pack in terms of quarterback play the team will be in good shape.
While the season-long schedule will be the true test for the Jets they have a terrific opportunity to get out to a great start. They will face a difficult test in the opening week as New York opens on Monday Night against the 49ers. While the reigning NFC champs will be a difficult game, and one the Jets are listed as +5 underdogs on DraftKings, the injury uncertainty to Christian McCaffrey will be a storyline to watch.
Following the Monday Night opening game, the Jets will face the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings. New York is a favorite in each of these games. Based on the opening lines on DraftKings Sportsbook, the Jets are -4-point favorites against the Titans and Vikings and -7.5-point favorites against the Patriots and Broncos.
Look for Aaron Rodgers to do enough to put the team in a position to win and for the defense to build off their strong play last year. While the 49ers matchup will be difficult in Week 1, expect the Jets to take care of business over the next four games. The +200 value to go 4-1 over this stretch is too good to pass up and will be a huge launching board for the rest of the Jets season.
Mike Williams Over 4.5 Receiving Touchdowns (+115)
There were just 11 total receiving touchdowns logged by the Jets last year. In comparison, Aaron Rodgers has never thrown fewer than 25 touchdowns in a season he was fully healthy and the primary starter.
There has been plenty of attention paid to the impact that Rodgers will make on Garrett Wilson. The former 10th overall pick in the 2022 draft has eclipsed 1000 yards receiving in both years he has been in the NFL despite the inconsistent quarterback play. However, he has tallied just seven touchdowns during this time.
While he surely will still see an increase in production and benefit from Rodgers’ ability, don’t be surprised if it is Mike Williams making just as many regular trips to the paydirt. Williams stands four inches bigger and has shown the ability to win one-on-one battles throughout his career. Both players are legitimate red zone threats but Williams added size and catch radius could come into play. The 29-year-old left the Los Angeles Chargers after seven seasons and signed a one-year deal worth up to $10 million this season.
All of the offensive players will benefit from Rodgers’ ability. Expect there to be an increase in production across the board, but there is great value in Williams to clear the 4.5 total receiving touchdown margin at +115 value. Injuries have been an issue for Willaims, but he has cleared this number in three of the four seasons he has played 15 or more games.
Add Mike Williams to the list of Jets players with a chip on his shoulder and expect him deliver. Clearing the 4.5 touchdown margin is attainable for the veteran who might end up being a bigger piece of the offense than most expect.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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