Our picks for MNF: Jets against Chargers
Albert Bainbridge IV, Art Stapleton, Chris Iseman, Stephen Edelson and Vincent Z. Mercogliano
The New York Jets (4-3, third in AFC East) look to keep their win streak alive as they host the Los Angeles Chargers (3-4, second in AFC West) on “Monday Night Football” at MetLife Stadium in Week 9.
Last weekend, the Jets moved their winning streak to three games after a miraculous come-from-behind 13-10 overtime victory over the Giants in the Meadowlands.
In Week 8, the Chargers took down the Chicago Bears, 30-13, at home on Sunday night.
Our prognosticators are: Art Stapleton (Giants/NFL writer, NorthJersey.com), Bert Bainbridge (sports betting analyst/columnist, NorthJersey.com), Steve Edelson (columnist, APP.com), Vince Mercogliano (Rangers/NHL columnist, lohud.com), Brian Marron (digital producer, NorthJersey.com), Chris Iseman (Rutgers writer, NorthJersey.com), Dave Rivera (sports editor, USA Today Northeast/NorthJersey.com) and Bob Jordan (sports editor, Asbury Park Press/APP.com). Rivera & Iseman: 6-1
Edelson & Mercogliano: 5-2
Jordan: 4-2
Marron & Stapleton: 4-3
Bainbridge: 3-3
Here are our staff predictions for this Week 9 matchup on “Monday Night Football” between the Jets and Chargers:
Bert Bainbridge
Outside of their Week 2 loss to the Cowboys, the Jets have played anyone and everyone tough, keeping their matchups all within one score games. Now facing an average Chargers’ defense that has to travel cross country, the Jets do enough here to not only cover the +3 spread but win outright as home underdogs.
The pick: Jets 24, Chargers 21
Vince Mercogliano
The third-down and red-zone concerns were amplified in Sunday’s hold-your-nose win over the Giants, but this may be just the get-right opponent the Jets’ offense needs.
The Chargers are the NFL’s second-worst defense in terms of yards against per game at an average of 390.9, along with being the league’s worst pass defense due to allowing an average of 297.4 yards through the air.
The pick: Jets 27, Chargers 23
Dave Rivera
Are we actually beginning to think the Jets have a shot at the playoffs? The lack of offense will continue to hurt this team, but the defense is showing that they’ll stay competitive in many games the rest of the way.
With a home game on “Monday Night Football” and what will be a raucous MetLife Stadium crowd, let’s give the Jets their fourth consecutive victory.
The pick: Jets 20, Chargers 17
Bob Jordan
Justin Herbert is coming off the best game of his season (31 of 40, 299 yards, three touchdowns, 0 turnovers) but wouldn’t it be cool if the Jets could win their fourth straight?
The pick: Jets 17, Chargers 14
Steve Edelson
For the better part of four quarters against the Giants, Zach Wilson was ineffective. Then he looked like Joe Montana with the game on the line. The Jets are 4-3 with a pulse as the midway point of the season approaches. Win a third straight and who knows what might be possible.
The pick: Jets 21, Chargers 14
Brian Marron
The Jets continue to defy logic, as three of their four wins are essentially due to their opponents choking away games. Yet, here they are at 4-3 without Aaron Rodgers.
The dominant Jets defense is obviously the catalyst, but can this seemingly unsustainable formula continue to work against the Chargers?
If there is a scenario where Zach Wilson and the offense could provide the Jets’ defense some relief, it could be against an LA team allowing the third-most passing yards in the NFL.
However, it could be argued this is a make-or-break game for the Chargers’ season and Brandon Staley’s job. I’m flipping a coin here, and going with the desperate Chargers.
The pick: Chargers 20, Jets, 10
Chris Iseman
Just take a moment to think about where the Jets are right now: A three-game winning streak, including a victory over the Eagles, with the playoffs still within the realm of possibility.
All of that seemed unlikely after Aaron Rodgers hit the turf four snaps into his debut. The Jets right now have momentum and I think it continues against the Chargers.
The pick: Jets 24, Chargers 17