New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Nathaniel Hackett Get Revenge Against Broncos?
New York Jets travel to Denver to face the Broncos in Week 5. Can Nathaniel Hackett get his revenge against the Broncos? NFL handicapper Matt MacKay provides his prediction and pick between Jets vs. Broncos.
Matt MacKay - October 6, 2023, 12:37 PM EDT
7 minNew York Jets vs. Denver Broncos Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Nathaniel Hackett Get Revenge Against Broncos?
One of the more intriguing matchups between two 1-3 opponents in Week 5 features the New York Jets traveling to Empower Field at Mile High Stadium to take on the Denver Broncos.
These teams have played each other for three consecutive years, and this will be the fourth straight head-to-head matchup. The Jets managed to win a low-scoring game, 16-9, in 2022, with Breece Hall ripping off the only touchdown, while tearing his ACL in the process. Coincidentally, Hall has now been cleared to handle a full workload, roughly one year after suffering his injury at Mile High.
Zach Wilson looked much improved in his last outing against the Chiefs defense on Sunday Night Football despite losing 23-20 in Week 4. Wilson made some big-time throws, including two passing touchdowns, while using his mobility to buy time and extend the pocket. Hall's increased usage should help the Jets balance their offense, while wideout Garrett Wilson will be a massive problem for the anemic Denver defense.
Sean Payton's tenure in Denver has started out tough, so factoring in his disparaging comments toward current Jets OC, Nathaniel Hackett, who was Denver's head coach a year ago, we can expect New York to give everything they can muster to silence Payton and other critics of their team, which has dealt with a ton of adversity early on due to Aaron Rodgers' achilles injury.
NFL handicapper Matt MacKay is back to share his latest prediction and pick between Jets vs. Broncos.
Jets vs. Broncos Start Time, Where To Watch, And Odds
- Date: Sunday, October 8, 2023
- Game Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Jets vs. Broncos Odds
- Spread: Jets +2.5 (-110), Broncos -2.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: Under 43.5 (-110), Over 43.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Jets (+116), Broncos (-136)
New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos Injury Report
Jets
Questionable: CB D.J. Reed (Concussion)
Out: OT Duane Brown (Shoulder), QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles)
Broncos
Questionable: LB Josey Jewell (Hip), C Lloyd Cushenberry III (Quadricep), S Justin Simmons (Hip), DL Mike Purcell (Ribs)
Out: WR Tim Patrick (Achilles), LB Frank Clark (Hip), TE Greg Dulcich (Hamstring)
New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos Prediction
Denver has been improving on offense under Payton, with quarterback Russell Wilson recording a 6.8 touchdown percentage on pass attempts, totaling nine touchdowns and only two interceptions. Wideout Courtland Sutton has been his preferred target over Jerry Jeudy, but Payton's offensive play calling ability keeps the Broncos spreading the ball around to young players, including rookie wideout Marvin Mims and rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin.
The Jets' defense remains a stout unit, with a 3.6 interception percentage rate, ranked fourth highest in the league. New York has only allowed 84 points, ranked 14th lowest, while also ranking middle of the pack in yards allowed per rush attempt at 4.2 YPC. They are also ranked 11th-best in turnover percentage at 12.8 percent, which is necessary to bail out a volatile offense.
New York brings a lot of pressure, ranking top-ten with a 27.1 pressure percentage, despite only recording seven sacks. They are also effective in hurry percentage and quarterback knockdown percentage, which is enough to keep an opposing quarterback off balance and making bad throws or poor decisions.
Wilson has looked good through four weeks, mounting a comeback over Chicago on the road in Week 4, so expect his confidence level to be high entering this matchup at home. The Jets have lost six consecutive road games, while failing to cover the spread in five of their last six games against opponents below .500. Meanwhile, eight of Denver's last nine games have gone over the point total line, which FanDuel oddsmakers have set to 43.5.
We haven't looked at the Broncos' defense enough. It's bad. They are 32nd in hurry percentage (2.1%), 27th in quarterback knock down percentage (7%) and bottom-ten in sacks recorded (eight). Denver is also ranked 32nd in pressure percentage (14%) and allow a 78.1 percent completion rate through four games, highest in the league. It's why they have allowed 150 points thus far, including 70 against Miami a couple of weeks ago.
Wilson and the Jets are in a prime position to get their second win of the season, effectively ending their losing streak on the road. I like the Jets' moneyline odds outright at +116 on FanDuel, but over 43.5 is also a strong wager to place. If we're choosing one, let's roll take on a bit of risk and wager on the Jets' moneyline odds at +116. Their defense is much better than Denver's, while Hall's departure from a snap count, Wilson's growing confidence entering a plus-matchup, and the snarky comments from Payton during the offseason will all combine to give the Jets an outright win in Mile High Stadium on Sunday.
New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos Pick
- Pick: New York Jets Moneyline +116 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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