Monday Night Football: Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets
Monday Night Football is back as the Detroit Lions host the New York Jets. This game will be the first of two games featured on Monday night to wrap up week one of the NFL season. This game will feature a veteran quarterback going up against a rookie quarterback making his NFL debut.
The New York Jets finished the 2017 season with a 5-11 record to finish in last place in the AFC East. The Jets went 1-3 in the pre-season, but showed some signs of improvement. Detroit finished the 2017 record with a 9-7 record and just missed out on reaching the playoffs in the NFC. The Lions also had a 1-3 record in the pre-season, but didn’t play many of their starters. The Detroit Lions are -6.5 in their game with the Jets on Monday night.
Stafford Leads Lions Offensive Attack
All-Pro quarterback Matthew Stafford is back for another season with the Detroit Lions. The former first overall draft pick by the Lions had a monster season in 2017, and should lead a dangerous passing attack this year. Stafford threw for 4,446 yards last year including 29 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions. With Stafford under center, the Lions always have a chance to win.
Marvin Jones Jr. had a career year last season as a wide receiver. He hauled in nine touchdown receptions to go along with 1,101 receiving yards. On the defensive side of the ball the Lions have a ton of veteran talent. Darius Slay and Glover Quin will look to shut down the Jets passing attack in this game.
Sam Darnold Makes NFL Debut
The New York Jets are turning to rookie Sam Darnold as quarterback for the season opener. Darnold was drafted with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and he showed the Jets enough in the preseason to name him starter. Robby Anderson will likely be the favorite target of Darnold on Monday night. Anderson caught seven touchdown passes in 2017 and is by far the most talented receiver on the Jets roster.
Head coach Todd Bowles is a defensive minded coach, and the Jets should feature a top-10 defense this season. Linebacker Darron Lee is one of the fastest defensive players in the NFL and should put a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Strong safety Jamal Adams is a ball hawk who has a chance to become an All-Pro in his second season. The Jets will need to keep games close if they want to keep pressure off of their rookie QB.
Jets No Match For Detroit
The New York Jets are expected to be improved in 2018, but they have a ways to go to be a playoff team. Darnold was impressive in the pre-season, but will face first team defenses for the first time. Look for the young quarterback to struggle in primetime on Monday night.
Matthew Stafford is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and he has plenty of weapons surrounding him. The Lions can put up a ton of points and will figure out a way to exploit the Jets defense. Detroit will win this game by double digits. Bet the Detroit Lions -6.5 on Monday night.