The 3-9 New York Jets and 5-7 New Orleans Saints meet at MetLife Stadium in Week 14 with both squads incredibly banged up.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—“Injury warfare” headlines the New York Jets’ Week 14 matchup at MetLife Stadium against the New Orleans Saints.
Not only was Gotham Green already dealing with a substantial list of injuries, but the squad will now be without rookie wide receiver Elijah Moore, who was placed on IR Saturday.
Add that on top of Michael Carter, Mekhi Becton, Michael Carter II, Marcus Maye, Carl Lawson and so many others, and Robert Saleh’s squad limps into the final stretch of the 2021 season.
Similarly, Sean Payton’s group is also hurting, as stud offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk will miss the contest. Of course, Jameis Winston is still on the shelf for the year, so Taysom Hill will get the start, allowing a rare all-BYU quarterback showdown with rookie Zach Wilson.
Jets vs. Saints game info
- New York Jets (3-9)
- New Orleans Saints (5-7)
- NFL, Week 14, Dec. 12, 2021, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
- MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
CBS will carry this one, set for 1 p.m. ET.
The Jets enter the contest as a five-point home underdog, while the over-under is stuck at 42.5 (on the night prior to the game).
For the first time this season, the Jets will wear their all-green uniforms.
The 2021 debut of all Gotham Green. pic.twitter.com/ZvHNxF9n9U
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 11, 2021
Jets vs. Saints history
- The Saints lead the all-time series, 7-6.
New Orleans holds a slight 7-6 advantage in the all-time series. After New York won four of the first five, spanning from 1972 to 1986, the Louisiana-based franchise captured six of the last eight meetings.
The last meeting, coming on Dec. 17, 2017, resulted in a 31-19 Saints victory. Bryce Petty threw for 179 yards and a touchdown to two interceptions on 19 of 39 passing, while Drew Brees went for 281 and two scores.
Jets vs. Saints odds (FanDuel Sportsbook)
- Spread: Jets +5 (-106), Saints -5 (-114)
- Moneyline: Jets +198, Saints -240
- Over/Under: 42.5 (O: -106, U: -114)
As previously mentioned, the Jets are a five-point home underdog. Although Taysom Hill starting at quarterback should be good news for the Jets, Jeff Ulbrich’s NFL-worst defensive unit doesn’t add any confidence to that thought.
Jets vs. Saints injury report
New York Jets
- Michael Carter II (Concussion): Out
- Tevin Coleman (Concussion): Out
- Trevon Wesco (Ankle): Out
- Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (Ankle): Questionable
- John Franklin-Myers (Hip): Questionable
- Ryan Griffin (Knee/Ankle): Questionable
- Elijah Moore (Quad): Out (Placed on IR)
- C.J. Mosley (Back): Questionable
- Sheldon Rankins (Knee): Questionable
As previously mentioned, New York placed Elijah Moore on IR, paving the way for rookie cornerback Brandin Echols to return to the active roster.
Tevin Coleman and Trevon Wesco have already been ruled out, while Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, John Franklin-Myers, Ryan Griffin, C.J. Mosley and Sheldon Rankins all enter the contest questionable. Each of those players aside from the good doctor, Duvernay-Tardiff, were full participants in practice on Friday.
The Jets also elevated tight end Dan Brown, defensive end Ronnie Blair, and wide receivers Vyncint Smith and DJ Montgomery for this game.
New Orleans Saints
- Kaden Elliss (Hamstring): Out
- Ryan Ramczyk (Knee): Out
- Pete Werner (Elbow): Out
- Lil’Jordan Humphrey (Hamstring): Questionable
Ryan Ramczyk’s absence will be felt by Hill and the offense, which opens the door for the Jets’ defensive line to do a little more damage than it has as of late.
New York Jets’ keys to victory
Allow Zach Wilson to capitalize on first down
In a similar fashion to last week, Mike LaFleur has to allow Zach Wilson to capitalize on first down.
Don’t slow play it while looking to create second and third and manageable on each series. Although a play-caller cannot ever abandon that thought entirely. giving the kid quarterback enough opportunities on first down—the time when the most downfield freedom is usually allowed—will be critical for his hopefully increasing confidence.
Load the box
Make Taysom Hill throw the ball. That is all. Alvin Kamara’s presence means he should be the defense’s top priority.
Plus, considering the Jets’ horrific rush defense, there’s no way we should see too many two-deep looks on Sunday in the swamps of Northern New Jersey.
Jets vs. Saints prediction
- New Orleans Saints 33, New York Jets 26
It’s extremely tough to pick the New York Jets to win the game outright considering the way the defense is currently playing.
Taysom Hill or not, this defense does not instil enough confidence to go in that direction.
