Texans @ Jets NFL Thursday betting picks & predictions | Week 9

Texans @ Jets best bets

Texans @ Jets NFL Thursday preview

The nosediving New York Jets face another tough challenge this Thursday night, welcoming the Houston Texans to MetLife Stadium in the opening game of Week 9 of the NFL 2024 season.

The Texans’ strong form continued last Sunday, when they beat the Indianapolis Colts by three points. In a scrappy performance, two touchdowns in the second quarter proved the difference as they beat their divisional rival. Quarterback C.J. Stroud continued his hunt for the MVP with 285 passing yards and a touchdown, while running back Joe Mixon added 134 scrimmage yards and a touchdown.

At 6-2, Houston have the second-best record in the AFC. However, both their losses this season have come on the road, which may explain why they are +110 underdogs with Bovada.

In a major blow for the Texans, star off-season recruit Stefon Diggs has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury. With Nico Collins already sidelined, this leaves their receiving stocks thin. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), safety Jimmie Ward (groin), guard Jarrett Patterson (concussion) and running back Dameon Pierce (groin) did not feature at practice earlier this week.

The Jets’ slide continued last Sunday with their most disappointing performance yet, losing to the New England Patriots by three points. New York entered the game as clear favourites, and when Patriots quarterback Drake Maye went down early, it looked like they would cruise to victory. However, after holding a six-point halftime lead, the Jets crumbled in the second half, conceding the game-winning touchdown with just 22 seconds left.

Despite a lineup filled with superstars, the Jets have now lost five in a row to slump to 2-6 — the second-worst record in the AFC. But top NFL bookmakers haven’t given up on Aaron Rodgers and company just yet, as they are -131.58 favourites in Week 9.

There are plenty of availability concerns for the Jets in defense, with lineman Leki Fotu (knee), linebackers C.J. Mosley (neck) and Chazz Surratt (heel), and safeties Tony Adams (hamstring) and Ashtyn Davis (concussion) all missing practice. Wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) are also in doubt.

Texans @ Jets NFL Week 9 betting strategy

Given the Jets’ recent form, it is very surprising to see them enter this game as favourites. While Rodgers has struggled this season, it has been the opposite for Stroud, so expect him to pick apart a New York defense that has allowed the third-most passing yards in the NFL this season. At +110 with Bovada, back the Texans to secure a win on the road.

The Texans’ last five games have all gone over 42 total points, while each of the last three Jets games have also surpassed that figure. With the line set so low, take the over at -111.11 with leading online sportsbooks.

With Collins and Diggs missing for the Texans, expect tight end Dalton Schultz to receive even greater attention on offense. Despite not scoring a touchdown so far this season, he has more targets than anyone else suiting up for Houston this week. At +260 with top sports betting sites, Schultz offers great value to find the endzone.

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