It’s almost go time for the New York Jets. And it opens with a bang.
The Jets are 3.5-point underdogs against San Francisco, down from the opening line of +6. That makes sense considering the 49ers are the reigning NFC champions and may have the best roster in football. However, the Jets seek to challenge them for that spot — and an upset in Week 1 would go a long way toward proving it.
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How to beat the 49ers is a difficult ask, though. They ranked second in total DVOA last season, including first on offense and fourth on defense. With Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk in tow, this offense is as formidable as ever. The defense is missing some key pieces, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw and likely former All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga, but it is still daunting with Nick Bosa and Fred Warner as its leaders.
Although Jets X-Factor has begun to provide statistical and film-based ways for the Jets to pull off the upset, hearing it from someone who both watches them each week and has a deep statistical understanding of the game gives a fuller perspective.
That’s why I invited Bryan Knowles of FTN Fantasy on The Score Boord Podcast to talk Jets-49ers. Bryan is an analytics guru and an ardent 49ers fan, a perfect combination to give a scouting report.
We covered various topics surrounding the Jets and 49ers, including the game itself and outside storylines.
- The 49ers’ biggest weakness that the Jets can exploit
- How San Francisco might game plan against Aaron Rodgers
- The best way to contain the 49ers’ explosive offense
- Whether Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk will be rusty in Week 1
- San Francisco’s injuries on defense and their effect on the game
- If Malachi Corley can follow in Deebo Samuel’s footsteps
- How good Brock Purdy really is
You can listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts.
