Jets (7-8) at Seahawks (7-8)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Lumen FIeld, Seattle
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: hawks by ⁄2
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Jets’ keys to victory: The Jets have won seven games on the strength of their defense, one of the best in the NFL. However, they haven’t gotten what they needed at quarterback. Whether it’s been Zach Wilson, Mike White, Joe Flacco or Chris Streveler, the results have been disappointing all around. The Jets need to get competent QB play, or at least turnover-free ball, if they’re going to beat a good team on the road.
Seahawks’ keys to victory: For Seattle the story has been QB Geno Smith, who has performed well enough to earn a Pro Bowl nod for the first time in his career. However, the team has had very little success trying to stop the run. Aside from a good four-game stretch from Weeks 6-9, they’ve been the NFL’s worst run defending team. In particular, LB Jordyn Brooks and LB Cody Barton have to make quicker reads and get to the ball carrier faster to help a defensive line that’s frequently been overmatched.
Matchup to watch: Jets DT Quinnen Williams vs. Seahawks’ interior offensive line. Speaking of being overwhelmed at the line of scrimmage, the Seahawks offensive line is weakest inside, particularly C Austin Blythe. Williams has the potential to wreck an offensive game plan all by himself, so Seattle has to find a way to contain him.
Who wins? As their records suggest, these two teams are pretty evenly matched. It would be a surprise if either one pulls off a blowout. We’ll give the Seahawks the nod thanks to home-field advantage and the Jets’ issues at QB.
Seahawks, 20-17
Sea