It’s back to the drawing board for the New York Jets, whose Super Bowl hopes went up in smoke when Aaron Rodgers was hurt on their first offensive series in Monday’s 22-16 overtime win over Buffalo. Tests later revealed a torn Achilles tendon, sidelining the 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the remainder of the season.
But the Jets won’t have much time to dwell on Rodgers’ injury, as a trip to Dallas awaits in Week 2. The Cowboys are coming off a 40-0 blowout of their rival Giants.
Read on for our favorite betting tips for Sunday’s matchup between the Cowboys and Jets.
Jets vs Cowboys Odds
NFL odds used for this New York vs Dallas preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Sept. 12 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Cowboys (-395) • Jets (+310)
- Spread: Cowboys -9 (-108) • Jets +9 (-112)
- Total Points: Over 40 (-110) • Under 40 (-110)
- Implied Score: Cowboys 24.5, Jets 15.5
Jets vs Cowboys Predictions
Score Pick: Cowboys 24, Jets 13
The Jets did an admirable job in the aftermath of losing Rodgers, who held the key to their Super Bowl hopes. Instead of folding, they banded together and provided themselves some temporary relief with a dramatic victory over Buffalo.
But once the shock and hurt wear off, the Jets will be in for a cold dose of reality. Zach Wilson isn’t a suitable replacement for Rodgers. They don’t have one on the roster, nor is one readily available. And sportsbooks have hence adjusted, dropping the Jets’ Super Bowl odds from +1600 to +3500 in some places.
Expect Dallas to feast on Wilson and Co.
Jets vs Cowboys Best Bets & Props
Under 40 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Jets predictably played it ultra-conservative with Wilson. The former first-rounder attempted 21 passes, albeit just three in the fourth quarter. One of those went to Garrett Wilson for a game-tying touchdown. Even with extra time to prepare, they’ll presumably take a similar approach this week. That means protecting Wilson from Dallas’ vaunted pass rush by prioritizing the run.
Their defense should help keep them in the game, but Dallas may be too formidable to overcome. It’s why I’m siding with the Under as my NFL bet of the day.
Cowboys -9 (-108)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
There’s a lot playing in Dallas’ favor. The Cowboys are at home and get to play a backup quarterback off a short week.
Now, the Jets are no cakewalk. They shut down one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, sacking Josh Allen five times and picking him off thrice. But it’s impossible to ignore the drop-off from Rodgers to, gulp, Wilson, who is just 8-14 as a starter. Look for Dallas to capitalize on his mistakes and beat New York by double digits.
Jets Under 14.5 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Jets managed only 289 yards against Buffalo, failing to do much of anything offensively after Rodgers went down on the opening series. Thirteen of their 16 points before overtime came off turnovers.
If the Cowboys protect the ball, New York could have more trouble moving the sticks with Wilson, who has thrown more interceptions (19) than touchdowns (16) as a Jet. Don’t discount what Dallas did against the Giants.
Jets vs Cowboys Same Game Parlay
Jets vs Cowboys SGP (+225)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit(s)
- Cowboys Alternate -6.5 (-165)
- Under 40.5 (-115)
The Jets are currently the biggest underdog on the board for Week 2. Thus is life after losing Rodgers.
Still, if the spread makes you uncomfortable, betting the Cowboys down to a touchdown seems like a safe hedge for an alternate spread. The Jets’ defense should keep them in the game, but it’s hard to see them winning with Wilson under center, especially on the road.
