The first two weeks of the 2021 NFL season have been very different for the New York Jets and Denver Broncos, both of whom are breaking in new quarterbacks. The Jets are 0-2 and turnover-prone with rookie Zach Wilson under center, while the Broncos are 2-0 thanks to strong defense and an efficient Teddy Bridgewater.
While it looks like Denver will win outright, how does this game shake out from an NFL betting perspective? There are plenty of interesting matchups here, so let’s break it all down with our NFL Week 3 Jets vs Broncos predictions and best bets.
Best Bet: Broncos -6.5 1st Half Spread (-105) at Caesars
For in-depth analysis of this NFL bet of the day, continue reading. Please note that all odds are current as of Friday, September 24.
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Jets vs Broncos Prediction
Wilson had a rough Week 2, throwing four interceptions against the New England Patriots. While he wasn’t having much success, it’s tough to get in a rhythm when you’re constantly coming off the field. The offensive line also took a hit with Mekhi Becton out, which led to Wilson getting sacked four times and making multiple throws under duress.
Defensively, New York has been one of the better teams thus far with just 44 total points allowed — good for 10th in the NFL. New head coach Robert Saleh appears to be making an impact there, as the Jets have done a good job pressuring opposing offenses. They still lack playmakers in the secondary to truly capitalize on enemy mistakes, however.
The Broncos have had an easy schedule thus far with matchups against the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars, but their early-season performance has been impressive. They’ve scored nearly twice as many points (50) as they’ve allowed (26), playing well on both sides of the ball. They should also receive an extra boost from playing in Denver this week, where the crowd will be extra dialed up for the home opener.
Bridgewater has given the offense some much-needed stability under center, while Von Miller and the Broncos’ defense again look to be one of the better units in the NFL. With clear advantages on both sides of the ball, Denver appears poised to win its third straight.
Prediction: Broncos 27, Jets 14
Linebacker Von Miller and the rest of the Denver Broncos defense will look to make life uncomfortable for Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson in Week 3. (Image: USA TODAY)
Jets vs Broncos Best Bets
Best Bet: Broncos -6.5 1st Half Spread (-105) at Caesars
I’m a bit worried that a young team like the Jets could do some damage in garbage time and spoil the full game spread, which is quite high according to our NFL gameday odds. Because of this, betting the Broncos in the first half seems like a wise choice.
Through two games, New York has scored just three total first-half points. Meanwhile, Denver has scored 10 points in each first half this season. And with the way Wilson has been playing in the first half, the Broncos’ defense may be able to find the end zone themselves.
Best Bet: Broncos 1st Field Goal (-150) at DraftKings
As stated above, the Jets have scored only three points through two first halves this season. Given the rowdy crowd, injuries to New York’s offensive line, and Denver’s pass rushers, it should be tough for the Jets to do much early in this game.
Meanwhile, the Broncos’ offense has been solid and Brandon McManus still has one of the biggest legs in the game. Look for him to put one through the uprights before Jets rookie kicker Matt Ammendola does.
Jets vs Broncos Same Game Parlay Pick
Same Game Parlay Odds: -120 at BetMGM
- Broncos Moneyline (-550) at BetMGM
- Total Points Over 37.5 (-165) at BetMGM
This is a custom parlay that allows us to take the heavy favorite on the moneyline while also teasing down the total by four points. While this figures to be a low-scoring game based on the quality of both defenses, both teams have enough firepower to score multiple touchdowns. This is essentially a more profitable way of picking Denver to win.
