Atlanta Falcons (5-6) vs. New York Jets (4-7)
Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Jets 12/3/23 – The Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets meet in a week 13 interconference clash between fringe playoff contenders. Both teams sit at 5-6 and 4-7 respectively and desperately need a win to stay in the postseason hunt. This figures to be a hotly contested matchup between dual-threat quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Zach Wilson. With so much on the line for both squads, expect premium game insights and intense competition at MetLife Stadium this Sunday afternoon. Though records may suggest otherwise, this projects to be a competitive and tightly contested affair between the Falcons and Jets.
The Falcons have struggled recently, going 2-8 ATS over their last 10. However, QB Desmond Ridder and RB Bijan Robinson provide an intriguing rushing duo. Robinson averages 4.9 yards per carry, while Ridder’s mobility gives Atlanta another dimension. The Falcons average 24.6 points per game. Meanwhile, rookie standout Drake London anchors the Falcons’ passing attack. London averages 52.7 receiving yards per game and 11.9 yards per catch. Still, Atlanta’s offense faces a stingy Jets defense allowing just 17.8 points per contest.
For New York, second-year QB Zach Wilson leads an up-and-down Jets offense. Wilson averages 194.4 passing yards per game but struggles with consistency, owning just a 73.8 passer rating. Top weapons like RB Breece Hall and rookie WR Garrett Wilson provide explosiveness, as Wilson averages 10.9 yards per reception. However, New York averages only 16.9 points per game. Surprisingly, that’s still higher than Atlanta’s 12.3 points per game on the road this season, as the Falcons have lost 10 straight road matchups.
Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Jets Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | MetLife Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Desmond Ridder QB vs. Zach Wilson QB
Ridder has flashed potential as a dynamic, dual-threat QB in his rookie season. While passing efficiency remains a work in progress, his 7.1 yards per attempt and mobility offer encouragement for Atlanta. However, Ridder faces a sound Jets pass defense allowing opposing QBs to complete just 59.7% of passes.
Wilson possesses undeniable arm talent but consistency issues plague the second-year signal-caller. While capable of wow plays, he’s thrown 7 interceptions to just 6 touchdowns this season. Wilson must value the football against an opportunistic Falcons defense that has 13 interceptions in 2022.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Atlanta Falcons -120, Total Odds: 36.5
Despite three straight losses, the Falcons play a Jets team equally desperate to stay alive in the playoff race. The Falcons also own historical dominance in this matchup, going 4-1 straight up in the last 5 meetings. With the game essentially a pick ‘em, Atlanta feels like the value side catching points on the road. The low 36.5 total reflects both defenses’ stinginess, but expect these dual-threat QBs to manufacture enough offense to creep over the total.
Atlanta Falcons Betting Trends
Atlanta owns a poor 2-8 ATS record over its last 10 contests, failing to cover in 8 of their past 9. Furthermore, the under has hit in 12 of the Falcons’ previous 17 matchups. Still, the Falcons had covered 3 straight before last week’s loss to Washington. Atlanta also plays with confidence against New York, covering 4 of the past 5 meetings while going 4-1 straight up.
New York Jets Betting Trends
The Jets returned from their bye week with an ugly home loss to Chicago, failing to cover as 7.5 point favorites. That defeat stretched New York’s current ATS losing streak to 5 straight outings. The under has also hit in 5 of the Jets’ previous 6 contests. Plus, New York is just 1-4 straight up over that stretch. However, the Jets had covered 3 in a row prior to this recent slide. At home, New York covered 3 of its first 4 games as MetLife Stadium hosts in 2022.
Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Jets 12/3/23 Betting Picks
This contest shapes up as a tightly contested affair between two hungry teams. The Falcons’ road scoring woes create hesitation, but QB Desmond Ridder’s dual-threat ability could exploit New York’s defense. Atlanta also claims historical dominance in the series, going 4-1 straight up in the past 5 meetings. With the Jets in the midst of an ATS funk, taking the points with the Falcons proves prudent. The 36.5 total sits enticingly low as well, offering the opportunity to back these skilled quarterbacks in exceeding expectations. Trust Ridder’s legs and Wilson’s arm to push this game over the number for some free NFL game picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Atlanta Falcons 24, New York Jets 21