NFL Week 8: Falcons vs. Jets Predictions Against the Spread 10/29/17
Will the Jets hand the struggling Falcons another loss on Sunday? Or will New York at least cover as an underdog?
The Odds: Falcons vs. Jets, 1:00PM ET, Sunday
According to oddsmakers, Atlanta is a 6.5-point favorite to beat New York on Sunday. The Falcons opened as 7-point favorites but the line was bet down. The total, meanwhile, sits at 43.5 points after hitting the board at 47.
Atlanta enters play with a 3-3 record overall but is just 2-4 against the spread this season. New York, meanwhile, is 3-4 overall and 4-2 at the betting window.
Atlanta Falcons
Falcons coach Dan Quinn said he is not “going to change anything on a grand scheme” following Sunday’s loss to the Patriots. The subtext being OC Steve Sarkisian is not going anywhere despite a pitiful performance against what had been one of the worst defenses in the league. The players also stood behind their coordinator, with Julio Jones saying he and everyone else has a good connection with Sarkisian. Still, the offense is clearly trending down, and Sarkisian’s seat will only grow hotter if he cannot turn things around against the Jets.
New York Jets
Matt Forte is not listed on the Jets’ final Week 8 injury report. He was limited early in the week with a knee injury, but Forte will be all systems go against the Falcons. After leading the Jets’ backfield in snaps and touches last week, Forte is a viable flex option in this favorable matchup.
Jets cornerback Buster Skrine (concussion) is out for Week 8 against the Falcons. The Jets’ slot corner, Skrine was absolutely dominated by the Dolphins last week, being in coverage on Kenny Stills’ two touchdowns and Jarvis Landry’s one. Prior to Week 7, he’d been playing well. Mo Sanu mans the slot for Atlanta.
Our Prediction
I don’t trust the Falcons. How could anyone? Since blowing a 17-0 halftime lead two weeks ago at home against the Dolphins, they’ve barely showed a pulse. They’ve been horrendous offensively in their last six quarters, scoring one garbage time touchdown versus the Patriots and that’s it. As Rotoworld previously pointed out, the seat under new play-caller Steve Sarkisian is growing hotter by the minute.
The Jets, meanwhile, have been competitive nearly every week. They’ve played with more emotion and desire over the past month than the talented by currently hapless Falcons. I’ll gladly take the 6.5 points with the home dog here.
NFL Week 8 Predictions: New York Jets +6.5
