The New York Jets enter Week 2 of the preseason without starting quarterback Zach Wilson, but bettors still see favorable betting odds ahead of Monday night’s contest.
The New York Jets started their preseason slate with a 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles last week. New York notched a straight up and covered against the spread, with the score total hitting the over. Now, betting odds adjust as the Jets focus on the Atlanta Falcons.
The Jets participated in joint practices with Atlanta this week ahead of their preseason matchup on Monday night. The Jets enter this exhibition matchup without their starting quarterback, Zach Wilson, who left last week with a knee injury. Wilson’s loss, as well as additional starters getting run for the Falcons, means the Jets stand as slight underdogs in the betting odds for this ballgame.
Quarterback Joe Flacco looked sharp in relief of the injured Wilson during this week’s joint practices. He didn’t play last week, but the veteran sports plenty of experience to transition into the lead role effortlessly.
While wagering on preseason games can be a tricky proposition, the betting odds for this Jets contest provide potential value.
Jets, Falcons Preseason Betting Odds
Several New York sportsbooks carry lines and betting odds for this preseason. The betting odds list this game as nearly a pick ‘em, with the Jets as underdogs, despite New York having lost eight of their last 10 games to finish the 2021 season.
Preseason trends feature a wide variance for bettors, as favorites covered 53.3 percent of the time in 2021, but underdogs covered 60.8 percent of the time in 2019. (There was no preseason in 2020.)
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
| Falcons Best Odds | -1.5/-110 (DraftKings) | -125 (DraftKings) | Over 38.5/-115 (FanDuel) |
| Jets Best Odds | +2.5/-112 (BetRivers) | +115 (Caesars) | Under 39.5/-110 (BetMGM) |
Sportsbooks backing the Falcons for this contest remains a headscratcher. Atlanta enters this one with one of the worst preseason records of the last several years. The Falcons have been dreadful playing in August, posting a 2-16 record straight up over their last 18 games played in the month.
Jets Preseason Preview Week 2
Obviously, the injury to Wilson changed the course of this training camp in New York. The question now becomes, if Wilson can’t go to start the regular season, who’s the quarterback? Flacco has the experience and pedigree, but has been up and down of late in his career. Mike White, meanwhile, flashed at times last season and looked good last week.
Things did get heated during the practices as the teams scuffled with each other at points. But the Jets had several standouts over the two sessions, including rookie running back Breece Hall. Elijah Moore also impressed this week.
The Falcons won their first preseason game, nabbing a 27-23 victory over the Detroit Lions last week. Rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder impressed in his time on the field, going 10-for-22 for 103 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed six times for 59 yards in the come-from-behind win.
The Jets have dealt with injuries already this training camp, losing tackle Mekhi Becton for the season and seeing Wilson shelved for at least a month. Despite his injury, Wilson could be ready for the start of the season. What’s more, bettors see several intriguing season-long player props for the second-year pro.
How these injuries affect playing time for the regulars remains to be seen.
Preseason Trends Affect Jets, Falcons Betting Odds
Heading into this contest, sportsbooks favored the Falcons, despite Atlanta’s well-documented struggles in the preseason over the last decade. With Flacco and White at quarterback, the Jets offense should be able to produce, as long as they’re not sabotaged by the offensive line. Looking at the betting odds for this game between the Jets and Falcons, leaning toward the Jets and the Under might be the play.
New York’s defeated the Falcons in each of their last four preseason matchups, though the last time that happened was 2019. The Under hit in each of their last two exhibition games. The Jets enter this one 6-1 straight up in August preseason games, covering the spread in five of those victories.
The betting trends seem to defy the odds for this Jets and Falcons matchup include: New York’s 4-1 against the spread in its last five preseason games and 4-2 against the spread in their last six exhibition contests as an underdog. The Falcons, meanwhile, enter 2-17 against the spread in their last 19 preseason games.
The Under has hit in 13 of New York’s last 19 exhibition matchups, and in 11 of Atlanta’s last 16.
