Millions of fans enjoyed many great showdowns as they tuned into the first week of the NFL season.NFL Week 2 features an array of matchups that has the NFL betting community salivating. As NFL betting lines continue to change throughout the week, many online sports betting fans will want to absorb as much information as they can before placing their bets. Here’s everything you need to know about the matchup between the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers.
Upsets and surprises
After both the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers failed to start their season off on the right foot, they both look to turn the corner in Week 2. For 49ers fans, an inner-division loss to the Arizona Cardinals was a big blow. It hurt real bad especially after they saw their team make it to the Super Bowl in February. It was a close game, despite the Cardinals punching them in the mouth.
For Jets fans, the first game could have gone either way against the division-foe Buffalo Bills. Unfortunately, the Jets gave a poor performance. They will need to play a lot better against what could be a strong and talented 49ers team. Otherwise, this game could go south for them too.
Key players to watch
Sam Darnold, Quarterback, NY Jets
Since being drafted third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Sam Darnold has been a bit inconsistent. The arm talent is there. However, the Jets have failed to supply Darnold with enough offensive performers for him to truly succeed. It will be interesting to see how much Darnold has improved, heading into just his 28th career start with limited offensive potential around him.
Frank Gore, Running Back, NY Jets
The Jets lost one of their best players on offense, now that Le’Veon Bell has been placed on injured reserve. That won’t make Darnold’s job any easier, but the ageless wonder Frank Gore might help. Despite not offering much in terms of big play-ability, Gore is strong in pass protection and will help to keep Darnold upright against a powerful and angry niners pass rush. We don’t expect the Jets to be competitive in this game, so getting out without Darnold taking unnecessary hits may be the best case scenario.
With Bell out of the picture, Gore has a chance to continue his rise in the history books. At age 37, Gore is currently in third place on the NFL’s all-time rushing yards leader list. Although he won’t pass Walter Payton for second place this year, since he is still over 1,300 yards away, it will still be fun to keep an eye on.
Looking at scoring, with 79, Gore is sitting at the 21st spot on the all-time rushing touchdown list. With another rushing touchdown, Gore can tie Edgerrin James with 80 for their respective careers.
Jimmy Garoppolo, Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers
Since the 49ers made the move to trade for Jimmy G in 2017, they have had plenty of ups and downs. During the offseason, after trading for him, the 49ers rightfully signed him long-term. At the time, it was the largest contract in NFL history on an annual basis. The 49ers looked as if they were headed for a bright future.
This past season, Garoppolo stayed healthy all year and helped lead the 49ers all the way to the Super Bowl before falling short to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Garoppolo is a fine quarterback, but he is no Mahomes. The 49ers rely on their suffocating defense, playing smart football, and trying to avoid turnovers. Last season proved that Jimmy G can help the team do just that. Garoppolo should be able to have a strong day against the Jets defense. Although, if it is windy on the East coast where the game will be played, the 49ers may have to rely more on their running game.
Nick Bosa, Defensive End, San Francisco 49ers
After the 49ers made the decision to wisely draft Nick Bosa, second overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, he has dominated nearly every time he has stepped on the field. Possessing a great combination of strength, quickness and great pass-rush moves, Bosa is one of the best young defenders in the league.
The Jets have an offensive line that has struggled mightily in the past. Week 1 saw them allow three sacks on quarterback Sam Darnold. Nick Bosa should match up against the Jets’ most recent top draft pick, left tackle Mekhi Becton. It should be a good battle to keep an eye on during Sunday’s game. Expect Bosa to get the better end of the deal, showing what makes him a Pro Bowl player.
Where does each team stand?
Although both the Jets and 49ers lost their first game, one of these teams will end up with a win in Week 2. Unless there is a tie, of course.
The New York Jetshave the benefit of playing in their home stadium, although there won’t be any fans in attendance, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Currently sitting at 0-1, the Jets find themselves tied with the Miami Dolphins, behind both the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots in the AFC East.
For the 49ers, most of the NFL world did not anticipate an opening-weekend loss to the Cardinals. Losing last week leaves them at 0-1. Unfortunately, the other three teams in the NFC West won their Week 1 matchups, which places the 49ers in last place in their respective division. They will need a win, just to avoid staying in last place for another week.
Past historical matchups between the Jets and 49ers
Considering that these two teams are in different conferences, they rarely face off against one another. With only 13 total games between the two franchises, the 49ers lead the all-time series 10-3. To be fair, the last time these teams played each other was all the way back in 2016.
NFL betting picks and predictions
Coming into the game, the Jets don’t appear to have anywhere near the amount of talent that the 49ers have on the roster, at least on paper. Looking at the NFL odds via various sportsbook casinos, most believe the 49ers will win this game against the Jets.
Whichever team’s defense can prevent more big plays, while capitalizing on turnover opportunities, should go a long way toward helping their team emerge victoriously. This matchup is looking like it will be a battle fought on the ground in the running game. Expect the talented 49ers players to take advantage of their individual positional matchups and win their first game of the season on Sunday.
Final score prediction: 49ers win 27-13
As anyone who has ever placed a bet knows, NFL betting odds are rarely perfect. Just when you think you’ve got a good thing going, the law of averages comes back to bite you. Or when you think you have a sure bet the unimaginable happens.
The Jets hope to defy odds and show the NFL they can hang. While the 49ers cannot afford to lose what appears to be a very winnable game. What will actually happen? We will all have to wait until Sunday to find out.
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