Two teams looking to make some noise in 2024 clash when the New York Jets take on the new-look Washington Commanders during week 1 of the NFL Preseason, Saturday night inside MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. The game kicks off at noon.
Bookmaker has installed the new-look Commanders as a slim -2 1/2 point road favorite.
The New York Jets have high expectations heading into the 2024 season after losing future HOF QB Aaron Rodgers just four offensive snaps into the 2023 season. They know their window for a title is closing rapidly and that the AFC East is ripe for the picking.
Rodgers is a walk-in when it comes to the Hall of Fame, and he does not want to go out, having only played a couple of snaps in 2023. He should be motivated and ticked off that he has missed a season, but his health will always be an issue, especially at the age of 40.
If the Jets are going to make a run this season, it will be led by Rodgers's arm and guts. If healthy, he can put up some huge numbers this season. If he can turn back the clock to a couple of years ago, he should easily be able to throw for close to 4,000 yards and close to 25-30 touchdowns.
Look for the Jets to pressure Washington's quarterback early and create some early turnovers. New York only allowed 20 points a game last season, and their defense kept them in most games en route to a dismal 7-10 that saw them lose five on the road midway through the season.
Washington has completed the overhaul of the coaching staff, and expectations are even higher. Many betting pundits believe that the Commanders might be a sleeper team that will not only be successful this season but perhaps compete for a wildcard spot in the NFC.
After finishing 4-13 and closing the season with eight straight losses, Washington cleaned house, and the fanbase is excited about the season and its future.
Expect Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels to play in the opener. The young signal-caller looked very impressive during training camp and seemed to grasp the offense well. The Commanders should be able to improve their scoring this season after averaging just under 20 points a game in 2023.
Their offense needs to improve, and so does their defense, which allowed a dismal 30.5 points per contest, which put a ton of strain on their inconsistent offense. The Commanders might show a little of their new-look offense against the Jets, who might only have their defensive starters in for a short time.
They will also test New York's run defense and look for the ground attack to open some big plays in the offense. The total in this one is 34 1/2, which could be in play. We are leaning towards the over in this game.
The Jets were 6-10-1 against the spread in 2023, while the Commanders went precisely the same (6-10-1). Washington did, though, go 6-3 on the road against the spread in 2023, while New York went 4-5 at home against the number. The Commanders play three preseason games against AFC East foes, including the Jets.
