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One team with AFC playoff hopes will fall to 0-2 on Sunday when the New York Jets head to Nashville for a Week 2 date against the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans stole defeat from the jaws of victory in Chicago last week, coughing up a 17-point first-half advantage in their 24-17 loss to the Bears. Tennessee did not allow a touchdown on defense, but quarterback Will Levis turned the ball over three times, including a 43-yard pick-six to Tyrique Stevenson.
On the other side, the Jets were overmatched by the San Francisco 49ers in their 32-19 road loss on Monday night. Breece Hall was a bright spot for New York, posting 93 all-purpose yards and a touchdown, but the Jets struggled to stop a Niners rushing attack that was missing Christian McCaffrey.
Despite the lopsided loss against arguably the best team in football, New York is still in the conversation to win the highly competitive AFC East. The Jets, who were the co-favorites with Buffalo to win the division before the season, are now in third place at +190, just behind the Bills and Dolphins (+180) at DraftKings.
Meanwhile, the Titans are not expected to make the playoffs this year, as they’re +550 longshots to reach the postseason.
Can Aaron Rodgers & Co. bounce back this week on the road? Let’s take a closer look at this AFC matchup at our favorite NFL betting sites.
Game Details
- Matchup: New York Jets vs. Tennessee Titans
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 (Week 2)
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Nissan Stadium (Nashville)
- Watch: CBS
Odds Summary
- Moneyline: Jets -175, Titans +145
- Spread: Jets -3.5 (-110), Titans +3.5 (-110)
- Total: Over/Under 41 (-110/-110)
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook and subject to change.
Jets vs. Titans Moneyline
If the Titans thought the Bears’ defense was tough, just wait until Levis has to fit the ball into a tight window against Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner – arguably the best cornerback in football. New York limited San Francisco’s passing attack to just 231 passing yards while Gardner held Brandon Aiyuk to just two catches for 28 yards.
The Jets’ defense is also soft against the run, which could lead to a big day for Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard. Tennessee racked up 140 rushing yards in its opener (11th in NFL), led by Pollard’s 82 yards and a touchdown.
The Titans’ defense smothered first-overall draft pick Caleb Williams in his NFL debut, but Rodgers should have an easier time, especially if New York can keep Hall involved. Rodgers looked more comfortable as Monday’s game went along before finally finding Allen Lazard for his first touchdown pass as a Jet late in the third quarter.
Tennessee is a tricky matchup for the Jets’ star-studded defense with its ability to run the ball. That said, New York is the better team (especially under center) and should leave Nashville with a win.
Jets vs. Titans Spread
After falling flat on their face last week in primetime, the Jets would take any type of win in Week 2, regardless of the margin.
Accordingly, taking the points with the Titans is a nice hedge, especially if Levis rebounds and they effectively run the ball.
Still, most NFL games are decided by at least four points, as only two of the 16 games last week were decided by fewer than four points. If this spread drops to -3, it’s definitely worth mashing, but New York winning by at least four points should be the final outcome.
Jets vs. Titans Total
This total is very low, especially for a game featuring Rodgers and one of the league’s best running backs. But the Jets’ defense is excellent, and Tennessee’s played very well against Chicago.
Rodgers only threw for 167 passing yards last week and is still getting his bearings in New York’s offense. Meanwhile, the Titans’ offense completely fell apart in the second half, showing Levis still has work to do.
The implied score is 22.5-18.5, and even that feels high based on how both teams played last week. The Under is the way to go.
Jets vs. Titans Props
Will Levis Under 195.5 Passing Yards (-120)
Levis threw for only 127 passing yards against the Bears last week, and Gardner’s looming presence should make things more difficult for him.
Also, Levis has failed to top 200 passing yards in five of his 10 career starts. After his dreadful season opener, head coach Brian Callahan and offensive coordinator Nick Holz may look to protect Levis by running the ball and settling for short, safe throws.
Look for them to lean on Pollard instead, especially after the Jets defense surrendered 180 rushing yards to the Niners last week. As such, don’t expect Levis to have a big day through the air.
Tony Pollard Over 50.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
I typically advocate a prop bet for each team, but these odds are too good to pass up, especially after Pollard went off for 82 rushing yards last week.
New York just allowed 147 rushing yards to backup running back Jordan Mason while McCaffrey was sidelined with a lower-leg injury. That, coupled with Levis’ struggles throwing the ball, means Pollard should be busy on the ground.
Jets vs. Titans Best Bets Summary
- Moneyline: Jets (-175). If New York is going to be one of the best teams in the AFC, then it needs to win in Nashville. The odds don’t have much value, but this is the play.
- Spread: Jets -3.5 (-110). We’d prefer if the line was -3, but we’ll make do with -3.5 as the Jets should win fairly comfortably.
- Total: Under 41 (-110). Rodgers is still rebounding from a major Achilles injury and looked rusty last week, while Levis was dreadful in Week 1. Both defenses were great last week, so expect a low-scoring game.
- Prop 1: Will Levis Under 195.5 Passing Yards (-120). Levis has failed to top 200 yards in half of his NFL starts and is going up against a tough defense this week. Look for him to hand the ball to his running backs and stay out of the way.
- Prop 2: Tony Pollard Over 50.5 Rushing Yards (-115). Pollard had a huge day against Chicago last week while New York’s run defense got shredded by a backup RB. That puts Pollard in line for another productive outing.
Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
