New York Jets to win AFC championship
Nothing has gone right for Gang Green’s offense in 2023 since four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon on his first drive with the team. Now that he’s healthy, expect the Jets’ offense to take a step forward, especially if offseason reinforcements to the offensive line pay off.
That effort continued in the draft, where the Jets acquired first-round offensive tackle Olu Fashanu from Penn State. Their offensive focus continued in later rounds. They acquired Malachi Coley (WR, Western Kentucky), Braylon Allen (RB, Wisconsin), Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State), Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State) and turned to. The paper’s Mark Maske gave the Jets a B grade.
The defense, meanwhile, should be as good as last season despite the departure of edge rusher Bryce Huff, who signed with the Eagles. Last season, New York’s opponents scored nine fewer points per game than expected, second only to the Cleveland Browns, after taking into account down, distance and field position on each play, according to data from True Media. It was the second highest score. Analyst Mike Clay evaluated the Jets’ roster as follows: Heading into the draft in second place in the league.
Additionally, New York should face one of the easiest schedules based on the opening game win totals provided by various oddsmakers. The Jets’ average opponent is projected to win eight games next season. Only the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers will face opponents averaging less than eight points per game.
Using this data, known opponents, and betting win totals, you can predict the Jets’ most likely regular season record. For example, the Jets have a 58% chance of winning at least 10 games against him in 2024. From there, he simulates each AFC team’s season (including the playoffs) 1,000 times and is able to determine that the Jets have an 8% chance of winning. The Super Bowl implies a fair price of +1100 (he bets $100 to win $1,100). Anything above that represents value, such as FanDuel, which offers a price of +1400.
Jacksonville Jaguars advance to playoffs
The Houston Texans have advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs and are the talk of the AFC South following the addition of first-year quarterback CJ Stroud and high-profile additions to Stefon Diggs. However, they were not the only team in their division to play at a high level last season. Two other teams, the Indianapolis Colts and Jaguars, were also over .500 and narrowly missed out on the playoffs.
A late-season slump could devastate the Jaguars, who started 8-3 before losing five of their last six games, including the Week 18 finale at Tennessee for a playoff berth. – However, the betting market still sees this sector as very tough. There are a lot of plays and no true front-runner.
The key for Jacksonville will be the maturity of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lawrence had ball control issues (14 interceptions, seven lost fumbles) and health concerns last season (he missed four games with an injury), but he was still named by Pro Football Focus’ Game Charter. Successfully earned a slightly increased season grade. Additionally, coach Doug Pederson said he is committed to getting Lawrence protection and a more effective run game in 2024. The front office also added promising wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with the No. 23 pick in the draft. Even in the tough AFC, it’s interesting that the Jaguars will get a playoff pick at these odds.
Pittsburgh Steelers win in less than 8 1/2 years
The Steelers won 10 games last year despite a minus-20 point differential, which is good for an eight-win team. Pittsburgh also had a slim margin of 9 wins and 2 losses in games decided by eight points or less, and a bounce or two could have easily turned a win into a loss. According to TruMedia data, the Steelers gave up the fewest expected points due to dropped passes (13.5) and held the lead just 25% of the time. In other words, they are lucky to win as many games, and this trend usually reverses the following year.
Yes, coach Mike Tomlin’s Steelers have a reputation for winning close games and playing above their talent level, and the addition of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields may have given them an upgrade at quarterback. Worth noting. Adding offensive line help in early draft picks Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier could also have an impact. But they will also have to survive the toughest schedule in 2024 based on winning totals in the betting markets. The ledger includes six games against tough AFC North opponents, in addition to a schedule against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Jets.
