Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets Odds, Picks, and Predictions (Aug 22)

• The Atlanta Falcons (1-0) take on the New York Jets (1-0) in Week 2 of the NFL Preseason
• Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 pm EST from MetLife Stadium on ESPN
• See the Falcons vs Jets odds ahead of Monday Night Football

After both sides started off their preseasons with wins, the Falcons travel to MetLife Stadium to take on the Jets. New York beat the Eagles 24-21 in Week 1 while Atlanta took care of the Lions 27-23.

Monday Night Football gets started at 8:00 pm EST on ESPN. It’ll be on the warm side with projected temperatures of 70 degrees, but thunderstorms and cloudy skies are in the forecast for the entire day, into the evening.

Falcons vs Jets Odds

Odds as of August 21 from Barstool Sporstbook

The Falcons open as road favorites for the second-straight week but late-week action trimmed the gap a bit on the spread. They were able to cover the 1.5 against the Lions in Detroit with a 27-23 win.

New York pulled out a three-point win of their own, downing the Eagles 24-21.

Falcons, Jets Joint Practice Brawls

As has been a popular trend in the NFL in recent years, the Falcons and Jets held joint practices on Friday and Saturday ahead of Monday’s game.

And in what has become a similarly common theme, there was a fight between the two sides on Friday. In fact, there were a few of them over the two days.

Fight No. 2 #Falcons at #Jets. pic.twitter.com/q2WhXwQolH

— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) August 19, 2022

Of course there are other things you can take from the joint sessions beyond flaring tempers.

On Friday it seemed like a pretty unanimous take that the Jets got the better of the Falcons. A lot of New York’s younger players showed out. From a betting perspective, one thing to be wary of is how the coaches feel about the two days of work.

Jets-Falcons joint practice (pads):

📰A positive showing for Jets on both sides of the ball. The offense, led by Moore and Hall, made some big plays. The starting defense held up well, especially in two-minute. Mind you, the opponent wasn’t a juggernaut. But still a good step.

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 19, 2022

After the weekend, it’s very possible both Arthur Smith and Robert Saleh rest some key players. In fact, Saleh has been wrestling with the decision for the past week. If that happens, things could get sloppy with the second and third-teamers.

Jets Outlook At QB With Injuries

One of the biggest things to come last week was the injury to quarterback Zach Wilson. A knee injury will keep the sophomore sidelined into the regular season, leaving the work under center to Mike White and Joe Flacco.

It’s possible that White gets a lot of reps on Monday. The veteran Flacco wouldn’t need a ton of preseason snaps as he’s entering his 15th season. If he’s the preferred choice for Week 1 then things turn to White and Chris Streveler.

Falcons vs Jets: Week 1 Comparison

The Jets were actually in a 14-0 hole through one quarter last week.  Jalen Hurts went 6-for-6 for 80 yards and a TD before New York outscored Philly 24-7 over the final three quarters.

Atlanta escaped the first quarter tied 7-7, but allowed Jared Goff to go 3-for-4 and D’Andre Swift to rack up 20 yards and a touchdown on four carries. New York’s backfield depth will be an interesting challenge for a rebuilding Atlanta front seven. The playing status of Breece Hall and Michael Carter bears watching.

Joe Flacco has looked impressive spreading the ball to his pass catchers: Elijah Moore, Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis, Irvin Charles and more.

Breece Hall busted off what looked like a 75-yard TD. No one touched him. Great, explosive play for a jets rushing attack.

— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) August 19, 2022

Desmond Ridder got plenty of work in Week 1, and while he threw for two TDs, he only went 10-for-22, throwing for 103 yards. The presence of Marcus Mariota keeps the hype train in check, but an extended look at Ridder may garner similar results for a second week in a row.

He was still able to display his electricity on the ground, though. Ridder broke off three runs of 10+ yards, totaling 59 against Detroit.

Falcons vs Jets Pick

While overs have been a successful pick this preseason, the weather forecast may throw a wrench in that. Whether it’s raining come kickoff or the field conditions are a little slippery, it could slow down the passing attacks.

Provided the Jets put their talented running backs on display, it’s a decisive advantage for them. They also hold the edge in the passing game if they decide to unleash Elijah Moore on Monday after two dominant practices.

Whether it’s Flacco or White under center, the Jets at least break even there too. As a home ‘dog against a rebuilding side, stick with Gang Green on Monday Night.

The Pick: New York Jets (+118)