Stop everything: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers: AFC Divisional Playoff Preview

New York

Make no mistake about it, the Jets are confident heading into Sunday’s AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Chargers. Coach Rex Ryan even went as far as to give his team a schedule that ends with a Super Bowl victory parade in downtown Manhattan. But first thing’s first, and that’s a matchup against the hottest team in the AFC—the San Diego Chargers. Here are three story lines heading into this weekend’s game:

Ground and Pound

The Jets have the No. 1 rushing attack in the league and will look to continue their dominance up front in San Diego. Gang Green has developed an identity and it is one of a physical unit (on both sides of the ball) that will stay committed to the run at all costs because they are built for it.

It doesn’t hurt that the Chargers were ranked 20th against the run during the regular season and 16th in overall defense. The two-headed monster consisting of Thomas Jones and rookie Shonn Greene combined for 169 yards and two touchdowns in the Wild Card victory over Cincinnati.

With that said, the most intriguing part of this will be how effective the Jets will be given the fact that the Chargers know Jets will (and must) run the ball to have success on offense.

Strength on Strength

Philip Rivers leads a Chargers’ offense that was the fifth best passing team in the NFL during the regular season (271.1 YPG). Darrelle Revis leads a Jets’ defense that was ranked first overall and first against the pass. Something has got to give, right?

The challenge for the Jets will be dealing with San Diego’s vast arsenal of weapons. WR Vincent Jackson and TE Antonio Gates each had over 1,000 yards receiving in 2009 and six players caught at least 20 passes. Oh yeah, they still have LaDainian Tomlinson in the backfield. And although he’s not the player he once was, he’s still very dangerous and has the ability to score on any given play.

You have to figure that Revis will get matched up on Jackson and S Kerry Rhodes will take on Gates. But what about Malcolm Floyd and Legedu Naanee? There’s also Darren Sproles who caught 45 passes coming out of the backfield and FB Mike Tobert who caught 25. See what I mean?

If there’s any week where the Jets dress as many defensive backs as possible, it’s this week. Rex Ryan is a defensive mastermind and will surely come up with something that the Chargers have yet to see on film. It should be interesting to watch when these two units are on the field.

Steady Sanchez

Last week Mark Sanchez had the highest quarterback rating (139.4) for any rookie in a playoff game—ever! And while it’s unlikely that he will replicate that performance, the Jets are going to need to him to continue to play smart, turnover-free football if they’re going to have a chance to beat the Chargers.

As I pointed out before last week’s game, there will come multiple points in the game where the Jets will face 3rd-and-long and Sanchez will have to make a throw in a big spot, under pressure. The outcomes of those plays will ultimately determine the Jets’ chances in this game.

Last week he passed the test. Jets’ fans are hoping he passes his second exam this week.

Find the truth about New York here - Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets NFL Week 15 Predictions

New York

The NY Jets host the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday Dec 20, where game-time forecast is calling for a temperature of 34 degrees with a 60% chance of snow. The Falcons have won three of the last four and own a 5-4 overall series edge. NFL oddsmakers at SPORTSBOOK.com have the Jets as -6 point home favs over the Falcons with the over/under set at 40 points . Be sure to get your Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets NFL Week 15 Predictions in now at SPORTSBOOK.com



The Falcons (6-7) lost to New Orleans 23-26 at home in Week 14 and now sit second in the NFC South. QB Chris Redman made 23 of 34 passes for 303 yards with one TD and an interception. QB Matt Ryan is still listed as RB Jason Snelling had 10 carries for 37 yards with a TD, while WR Michael Jenkins made three catches for 82 yards with a TD. Their defense had no sacks or interceptions. The Falcons won’t be able to pass the ball against the Jets league best pass defense. Their best chance at moving the chains will be their 13th ranked running game against the Jets 12th ranked rush defense. Their top RB Michael Turner has been out since week 10 with an ankle injury and is questionable for Sunday, without him the Falcons are 1-4 SU.  RB Jason Snelling hasn’t been able to fill the missing void of Turner and has only one TD in three games, while RB Jerious Norwood has none. Atlanta has never had consecutive winning seasons and they would have to win its last three games in order to accomplish that feat for the first time. The Falcons have averaged 16.7ppg and allowed 25.7ppg in their last three games. They are 1-5 SU on the road where they average 25.5ppg and give up an average28.3ppg.They are 8-5 ATS and 7-6 over/under.

The Jets (7-6) won in Tampa Bay 26-3 in Week 14 and sit third in the AFC East. QB Kellen Clemens made 12 of 23 passes for 111 yards. RB Thomas Jones had 24 carries for 99 yards with two TD’s, while WR Braylon Edwards made three catches for 37 yards. Their defense had three sacks and three interceptions on the day. QB Mark Sanchez returns to action against the Falcons, the rookie quarterback says he is ready to brave what will likely be the coldest conditions he has ever played in. The coldest game Sanchez has played in thus far was the 16-13 overtime loss to the Bills at home on Oct. 18, where he threw five interceptions. CB Darrelle Revis has established himself as one of the best, if not the best, cover corners in the league with six interceptions. He has shut down receivers like Randy Moss and Terrell Owens, and now he gets to try his hand at stopping Falcons Pro Bowl wideout Roddy White. The Jets defense is ranked best in the league at stopping the pass and they allow the least amount of points per-game in the league (16.2ppg). The Jets have been maddeningly inconsistent this season, but RB Thomas Jones remains consistent. Veteran RB Thomas Jones leads the best ground game in the league and he just continues to go about his business and put up big numbers . He is fourth in the NFL with 1,167 rushing yards and tied for third with 11 rushing touchdowns. The Jets have averaged 20.7ppg and allowed 7.3ppg in their last three games. They are 3-3 SU at home where they average 19.5ppg and allow 17ppg. They are 7-6 ATS and 5-7 over/under.



Recent Trends to Consider:

• Jets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 15.


• Jets are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.


• Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.


• Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 250 total yards in their previous game.


• Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.


• Falcons are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games following a S.U. loss.


• Falcons are 0-7-2 ATS in their last 9 games in Week 15.


• Falcons are 5-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.


• Under is 3-0-1 in Jets last 4 games overall.

Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets

When:  Sun, Dec 20, 2009 1:00 PM ET      

Line: SPORTSBOOK.com

Pick: Jets -6

Point-Spreads.com Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets NFL Week 15 Predictions



The Bottom Line: The Jets defense is too strong. Be sure to get your Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets NFL Week 15 Predictions in now at SPORTSBOOK.com  and Get a 50% Deposit Bonus and $25 Free Be t at Sportsbook.com, simply use promo code WIN100 and start winning today!