The New York Jets (1-1) and Detroit Lions (1-1) square off Sunday at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Let's analyze NFL odds around the Jets at Lions odds and make our expert NFL picks and predictions for the best bets.
The Green Bay Packers overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to upend the Jets (+3.5) 20-17 in OT (Under 44) last Sunday. The Jets had the ball first in OT, but after taking back-to-back sacks as well as a false start penalty, New York punted and Green Bay scored on the ensuing drive. The Jets kept the Packers offense in check most of the game, limiting Green Bay to 199 total yards (136 passing, 63 rushing) and 1 of 9 on third downs. The New York offense was efficient, controlling
the ball for 37:40. Jets QB Geno Smith was 27 of 41 for 247 yards and 1 TD, but was sacked 4 times. New York RB Breece Hall was held to 29 yards on 16 carries, but did catch 5 passes for 63 yards.
Playing their first game at new Highmark Stadium, the Buffalo Bills (-3.5) jumped on the Lions early and held on for a 41-31 (Over 53.5) victory Sept. 17. The Lions allowed the Bills to score on each of their first four possessions and trailed 27-10 at the half after giving up 299 yards. Despite big games from QB Jared Goff (26 of 38, 327 yards, 4 TDs) and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (9 catches, 142 yards, 2 TDs), the Lions could never get closer than 10 points in the second half. For the game, Detroit's defense allowed 446 total yards (243 passing, 203 rushing).
The Lions lead the all-time series vs. the Jets 8-7. The Lions won the last meeting between the teams 20-17 at New York Dec. 18, 2022.
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Jets at Lions odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 3:10 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Jets +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Lions -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Jets +6.5 (-105) | Lions -6.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 48 (O: -108 | U: -110)
Jets at Lions key injuries
JETS
- S Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin) out
- LB Francisco Mauigoa (quadriceps) out
- WR Adonai Mitchell (finger) questionable
- TE Mason Taylor (thumb) out
LIONS
- G Ben Bartch (foot) out
- S Thomas Harper (ankle) out
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Jets at Lions picks and predictions
Prediction
Lions 31, Jets 20
Moneyline
PASS.
The Jets had their first 2-0 start since 2015 in their grasp before imploding in the final 11 minutes and OT last week. They've looked competitive, at least defensively, ranking first in the league in total defense, allowing 197 ypg. Offensively, Smith has been a game manager, avoiding any huge mistakes, but I'm not counting on him to win any games in the clutch for New York.
Which brings me to the Lions defense, which has been terrible in the opening weeks, ranking 31st total defense (457.5 ypg) and 31st in pass defense (310.5 ypg). As bad at the Lions defense has been, I don't think the Jets offense will do enough to pull off the upset. The Jets defense may be able to keep it close and interesting for a while, but I expect the Lions to pull away in the fourth. A Lions win straight up doesn't offer much value, so let's take a look at the spread.
Against the spread
BET LIONS -6.5 (-112).
The stats this early in the season don't necessarily tell the whole story. While I wouldn't say the Lions defense is good, they're not as bad as the statistics might suggest. They're probably middle of the pack, but they faced two of the better offenses in the league to this point. The Saints are experiencing an offensive renaissance with QB Tyler Shough, while Bills QB Josh Allen is a nightmare for most teams.
Similarly, the Jets defense has been able to feast on a pair of struggling offenses in the Titans and Packers. Now if they put the grips on this Lions offense, I may just have to change my tune on what the Jets can accomplish. The Lions are 10th in the NFL in total offense (362 ypg), eighth in passing (246.5 ypg) and tied for fourth in points (31 ppg).
Over/Under
PASS.
While my score prediction puts the game Over, I don't have a strong conviction about it. I need to see this Jets defense one more time before I'm convinced they're legit. If they can stymie the Lions offense, they'll be in a lot of games this season. The Lions defense is full of holes as they deal with injuries, but I'm not sure Smith and the Jets can take advantage.
Best prop bet
BET KENYON SADIQ 40+ RECEIVING YARDS (+200 HARD ROCK BET)
With TE Mason Taylor ruled out, TE Kenyon Sadiq, who the Jets selected with the 16th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will move into the starting lineup Sunday. The Lions have struggled to cover tight ends in their first two games. Saints tight ends Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant combined for 7 catches for 87 yards and 2 TDs in their opener, while Bills TE Dalton Kincaid had 7 catches for 95 yards and a TD last week.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: New York Jets at Detroit Lions odds, picks and predictions
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