The New York Jets looked like they were on their way to a completely different start than anyone expected. After opening the season with an impressive road win over the Tennessee Titans, Aaron Glenn's team appeared poised to move to 2-0 when it took a 17-7 lead into the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers. Then, everything unraveled. Green Bay scored the final 13 points, forcing overtime before handing the Jets a crushing 20-17 defeat.
Still, there are reasons for optimism. Glenn's defense has played well through two weeks, and Geno Smith has brought a level of stability to a quarterback position that has been a major question mark for the Jets in recent years. Smith threw for 247 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay, while Garrett
Wilson has already emerged as his most reliable downfield weapon. Wilson has 11 catches for 136 yards through two games, including a touchdown against the Packers. Breece Hall, meanwhile, has provided plenty of versatility. He has rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown while adding 79 receiving yards through two games, though Green Bay held him to just 29 rushing yards last week.
That production will need to pick up in Detroit. The Lions may have lost to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, but their offense remains one of the most explosive units in football. Detroit put up 31 points against the Bills, while Jahmyr Gibbs has been electric through two weeks, piling up 299 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. For Gibbs, the early production has put him firmly into the Offensive Player of the Year conversation.
Now, both teams are looking to bounce back and Glenn is returning to Detroit for the first time as an opposing head coach after spending six seasons with the Lions. With familiar faces on the other sideline and two offenses capable of making this interesting, Week 3 sets up as a fascinating test for "Gang Green" in the Motor City.
Jets at Lions live odds
Opening Lines
- Spread : Lions -6.5
- Moneyline: Lions -300; Jets +260
- Over/Under: 48.5
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Jets at Lions picks against the spread
Adam Kaufman: Jets +6.5
The line unfortunately moved through the key number of seven, but I still see enough for the Jets to stay within the spread. Detroit has scored 31 points in each game, but its defense has allowed 30 and 41 while surrendering at least 446 yards both times. With Avonte Maddox, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph unavailable, Breece Hall should help New York sustain drives, while Geno Smith can attack a depleted secondary. Aaron Glenn's familiarity with Detroit's personnel and offense also matters. The Jets may not have enough to stop Jared Goff and all his weapons, but they've played well enough defensively to keep this competitive. Lions win, Jets cover.
Tom Viera: Lions -6.5
The Lions win this game by double digits. Detroit's offense has been humming through two weeks, and there's little reason to expect that to change at home. Amon-Ra St. Brown already has 19 catches for 209 yards and four touchdowns, while Jahmyr Gibbs has been one of the league's most dangerous all-purpose weapons. It's tough to trust Geno Smith to keep pace with Jared Goff and this explosive Lions attack, particularly with Detroit enjoying a significant rest advantage. The Lions played Thursday night last week, while the Jets needed overtime against Green Bay on Sunday. With the Lions back at Ford Field, I expect Detroit to pull away. Aaron Glenn won't get revenge.
Nick Brinkerhoff: Lions -6.5
There are some serious concerns about this Lions defense, who have allowed at least 30 points in back-to-back games. How much can the Jets exploit that weakness though? New York has some injury concerns of its own and clearly ran out of gas in Week 2, allowing the Packers to stage a fourth quarter comeback. The Lions offense is much more lethal and can put up points in a hurry. The Jets might be frisky, but they don't have enough to keep up at this point.
Blake Schuster: Jets +6.5
The Jets are more trustworthy than the Lions at this point. I know Detroit is going to give up points. And playing in a dome should help the passing game quite a bit. The Lions may win and but this game won't bring much comfort to anyone on either side.
Where to watch Jets at Lions
- Matchup: Lions vs. Jets
- Date: Sept. 27
- Time: 1 p.m.
- Venue: Ford Field
- Location: Detroit, Michigan
- TV: Fox
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lions vs Jets spread predictions, odds for NFL Week 3 game
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