Jets (1-3) at Broncos (1-3)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver TV: CBS
Spread (BetMGM):
Broncos by 2.5
Jets’ keys to victory: Denver’s defense is allowing 176 rushing yards per game, which is good news for second-year RB Breece Hall and veteran RB Dalvin Cook. After losing QB Aaron Rodgers, Zach Wilson has struggled with turnovers and sacks, though he made strides against the Chiefs. The Jets will need to rely on their talented RBs against a Broncos unit that has struggled to defend the run. Going up against the team he coached last season, New York offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will scheme up a runheavy attack for his return to Denver.
Broncos’ keys to victory: QB Russell Wilson needed 12 games to throw nine touchdown passes under Hackett last season. He has matched that total of nine TDs in just four games under new head coach Sean Payton. Wilson is having a bounce-back season thanks in large part to Payton tailoring Denver’s offense to the QB’s strengths. Wilson is now making more throws on the move, connecting with WRs Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims on short, intermediate and deep passes. Add in exciting rookie RB Jaleel McLaughlin and Denver has the pieces in place to build an early lead.
Matchup to watch: Broncos CB Pat Surtain II vs. Jets WR Garrett Wilson. Wilson is one of the exciting young WRs in the NFL. He’ll face off against an All-Pro.
Who wins? The Broncos offense has improved under Payton, but New York’s defense and improved offense it showed against the Chiefs should keep it close.
Broncos 21-20