New York Jets head coach Adam Gase and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) watch a replay of an interception on the scoreboard during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020.

Winless Broncos, Jets Collide on Thursday Night

It’s already been a long season in Denver and New York, where the Broncos (0-3 SU, 2-1 ATS) and Jets (0-3 SU, 0-3 ATS) are still seeking their first victories of the campaign. Barring a tie, one of those squads will get off the schneid this week in front of a prime-time audience.

Denver Broncos vs New York Jets
  • Date/Time: October 1, 8:20 p.m. ET
  • Stadium: MetLife Stadium
  • TV Coverage: NFL Network
  • Sportsbook Odds: Broncos -2.5 | O/U 41 (Line History)
  • Broncos vs Jets Matchup Report

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

There aren’t many teams the banged-up Broncos would be road favorites against these days, but the Jets certainly qualify after being outscored 94-37 over their first three games. Denver is laying points on the highway for the first time since last September and is just 3-6 ATS in its last nine as road chalk.

Denver News & Notes

Another week, another major injury for the Broncos to deal with. Already without star linebacker Von Miller, quarterback Drew Lock, wideout Courtland Sutton, running back Phillip Lindsay, cornerback A.J. Bouye and defensive end Dre’Mont Jones, Denver lost defensive tackle Jurrell Casey for the season last week (torn biceps).

Jeff Driskel struggled badly in his first start in place of Lock, throwing for 176 yards on 30 attempts with a touchdown and a pick in Denver’s 28-10 home loss to Tampa Bay. Brett Rypien completed eight of his nine passes in relief for 53 yards, although his one incompletion was an interception. Head coach Vic Fangio told reporters he’s not sure who he’ll start at QB on Thursday but that it definitely won’t be the recently acquired Blake Bortles.

Whoever’s under center for the Broncos will need better protection from the offensive line. Denver has allowed 13 sacks and 29 quarterback hits in its last two games, a stat the Broncos need to correct quickly unless they want to see another pivot in the infirmary. Perhaps a prime-time matchup will bring out the best of the Broncos: they’re 10-3 SU and ATS in their last 13 Thursday night clashes.

New York News & Notes

Beleaguered coach Adam Gase reportedly might be out of a job if the Jets lose again this week, but he’s still playing the long game with struggling quarterback Sam Darnold.

Even though the third-year pivot threw a pair of pick-sixes in last week’s 36-7 loss in Indianapolis, Gase told reporters Monday that Darnold will get the start once again this week. Darnold’s three picks against the Colts increased his career total to 32 interceptions in 29 starts.

Darnold could get some help this week with the potential return of top receiver Jamison Crowder, who has missed New York’s last two games with a hamstring injury. Fellow wideout Breshad Perriman has already been ruled out, however, with a bad ankle.

Betting Pick: UNDER 41

It’s tough to lay a field goal with the Broncos on the road, but no amount of points is enough to back the Jets these days either. Instead, I’ll fade this pair of mediocre offenses with quarterback issues and not much time on a short week to turn things around.

Shark Bites
  • Denver has lost 5 of its last 6 road games.
  • New York is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 home games in October.
  • The OVER is 6-1 in Denver’s last 7 games at New York.
DEN has lost 5 of its last 6 road games.away NY is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 home games in October.home The OVER is 6-1 in DEN’s last 7 games at NY.
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