Zach Wilson vs. Trevor Lawrence highlights a do-or-die Thursday night showdown
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—The path to get to the point was anything but predictable, yet here we are. The top two picks of the 2021 NFL draft are set to stare one another down on Thursday Night Football.
Zach Wilson will get the call for a second-straight game, courtesy of Mike White’s rib injury, in a near-do-or-die spot as it pertains to the New York Jets‘ 2022 NFL playoff hopes. Of course, Trevor Lawrence is set to lead the surging Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that has potential slim tournament designs of their own at 6-8.
Speaking of the tournament, the Jets still have an avenue into the playoffs, but beating the Jags is a near-must to even think about accomplishing that feat.
 AFC Playoff Seed | Logo | Team | Record | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Division Champ: BYE) |  | Kansas City Chiefs | 14-3 | 1st AFC West Clinched playoff spot Clinched division Clinched bye |
| 2 (Division Champ) |  | Buffalo Bills | 13-3 | 1st AFC East Clinched playoff spot Clinched division |
| 3 (Division Champ) |  | Cincinnati Bengals | 12-4 | 1st AFC North Clinched playoff spot Clinched division |
| 4 (Division Champ) |  | Jacksonville Jaguars | 9-8 | 1st AFC South Clinched playoff spot Clinched division |
| 5 (Wild Card 1) |  | Los Angeles Chargers | 10-7 | 2nd AFC West Clinched playoff spot |
| 6 (Wild Card 2) |  | Baltimore Ravens | 10-7 | 2nd AFC North Clinched playoff spot |
| 7 (Wild Card 3) |  | Miami Dolphins | 9-8 | 2nd AFC East Clinched playoff spot |
| N/A |  | Pittsburgh Steelers | 9-8 | 3rd AFC North |
| N/A |  | New England Patriots | 8-9 | 3rd AFC East |
| N/A |  | New York Jets | 7-10 | 4th AFC East |
| N/A |  | Tennessee Titans | 7-10 | 2nd AFC South |
| N/A |  | Cleveland Browns | 7-10 | 4th AFC North |
| N/A |  | Las Vegas Raiders | 6-11 | 3rd AFC West |
Jets vs. Jags game info
- New York Jets (7-7)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (6-8)
- NFL, Week 16, Dec. 22, 2022, 8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon
- MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
For the first time this season, the New York Jets will play a game in prime time. Unfortunately, it comes while the squad is in the midst of its toughest stretch of the season—losers of three straight and five of the last seven—but it’s not as if Robert Saleh’s team ever finds itself completely out of a contest.
The Jets and Jags will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET from MetLife Stadium on Thursday night. It’ll be broadcasted on Amazon Prime with the great Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit on the call.
New York will wear its stealth black uniforms under the lights.
Thursday Night Lights ✈️ pic.twitter.com/EPcCeuIKsc
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 21, 2022
Jets vs. Jags history
- The all-time series is tied 8-8
Although the all-time series is knotted up at eight, the Jets have won five of the last seven games, including the last meeting just a season ago.
Zach Wilson’s 52-yard scramble touchdown and Braxton Berrios’s 102-yard kickoff return score highlighted the Jets’ 27-21 victory at MetLife Stadium.
Jets vs. Jags odds (FanDuel Sportsbook)
- Spread: Jets +1.5 (-104), Jags -1.5 (-118)
- Moneyline: Jets -112, Jags -104
- Over/Under: 37.5 (O: -104, U: -118)
In spite of their home status, the Jets are currently 1.5 underdogs. Jacksonville’s two-straight victories and three-of-four hot streak have it surging at just the right time.
Jets vs. Jags injury report
#Jets v Jags final injury report. pic.twitter.com/vSAhregYbE
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) December 22, 2022
New York Jets
- Brandin Echols (Quad): Out
- Denzel Mims (Concussion): Out
- Jeff Smith (Knee): Out
- Mike White (Rib): Out
- Lamarcus Joyner (Hip): Questionable
- Zonovan Knight (Ankle): Questionable
- Quinnen Williams (Calf): Questionable
We know Mike White is out, but so is cornerback Brandin Echols, who will miss his second-straight game. Wide receivers Jeff Smith and Denzel Mims are also slated to miss this contest, leaving the Jets thin at wideout.
On the bright side, it appears as though Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will play.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Foley Fatukasi (Ankle): Out
- Cam Robinson (Knee): Out
- Travon Walker (Ankle) Out
- Trevor Lawrence (Toe): Questionable
- Chad Muma (Ankle): Questionable
- Brandon Scherff (Abdomen): Questionable
- Jawaan Taylor (Hamstring): Questionable
- Andrew Wingard (Shoulder): Questionable
Unfortunately, the Foley Fatukasi revenge game narrative will have to wait. The former Jets interior monster will miss the contest with an ankle.
Despite Trevor Lawrence’s questionable designation, it’s all but certain that the budding star quarterback will play.
Jets vs. Jags prediction
- New York Jets 13, Jacksonville Jaguars 16
It’s tough to pick the Jets right now. All was well when Robert Saleh’s squad opened the season 5-2. Well, not exactly.
The record was sparkling, but as soon as the final gun went off on the Jets’ victory, the real trouble started brewing. It was the Denver game when both Alijah Vera-Tucker and Breece Hall both went out for the season with injuries.
Since that point, New York has reversed paths with a disappointing 2-5 mark. While Hall’s injury is as backbreaking as anything, Vera-Tucker’s presence has been sorely missed—as I still believe he’s the true heart and soul of this team.
All eyes will be on Zach Wilson, who could disappoint in a major way or actually shock the senses. His ability coupled with his up-and-down quarterback mind allows anything to be possible.
In the end, expect a low-scoring affair with Trevor Lawrence making the key play needed down the stretch.
