With the status of Joe Flacco in doubt for the Ravens game against the Jets on Sunday at Met Life Stadium, the line has swung a tad from a pick ‘em game to the Jets now being listed as a one-point favorite. The over/under for the game has dropped from 42 ½ to 40 ½.
Up until last season Joe Flacco never missed a game for the Ravens and he seldom missed practice. He’s been described as genetically gifted as it relates his ability to quickly recuperate from injuries and for him to miss two days of practice, it might be a sign that he needs a little rest and relaxation.
The Jets might be the perfect opponent for such R&R.
The Ravens have a bye week after their second consecutive visit to East Rutherford, NJ and the two weeks off could help set Flacco up for the long run starting with the first-place Pittsburgh Steelers on November 6. But they’ll still have to get past the reeling Jets who sit at (1-5). Their season and the future of head coach Todd Bowles could rest upon the outcome of Sunday’s game.
Looking for a spark Bowles has called upon often-criticized reserve quarterback Geno Smith to call signals for the Jets 26th ranked offense which is a league worst once they enter the red zone. The Jets are averaging just 15.8 points per game.
A big part of the Jets problems in 2016 stem from the league’s worst turnover differential. The Jets sit at (-11) on the season in turnovers and Smith does little to foster any confidence that Gang Green can stem off the hemorrhaging. According to Steve Politi of NJ.com Smith has 44 turnovers in 32 career games while completing just 57.9% of his passes. Plus, he lacks any noticeable rapport with Jets No.1 wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
The Ravens could temporarily hand over the reins of their offense to Ryan Mallett. Last year Mallett was quickly forced into action against the heavily favored Pittsburgh Steelers (10 points) at M&T Bank Stadium last December 27th on an unseasonably warm day (64 degrees) and led the Ravens to an upset 20-17 victory. If he does get the nod, Mallett should have some opportunities in the passing game.
Through the first six games opposing quarterbacks have registered a 114.7 rating against the Jets, connecting on nineteen passes of 20+ yards and eight passes of 40+ yards. The Jets also are tied for the league low with just two interceptions. Revis Island just ain’t what it used to be. Pro Football Focus grades Darrelle as the 103rd best corner. He could cover a lot of ground in the past and shut down a lot of people, but the one he can’t shut down is Father Time.
Conditions are supposed to be sunny and in the low 60’s at kickoff and that should be conducive to a solid afternoon from Mallett. Joe Flacco might be chomping at the bit on the sidelines when he surveys the porous Jets secondary.
It’s time to log on and play with Betfair!
Give me the Ravens and the over.
Ravens 27, Jets 17
