The New York Jets are under the bright lights of Monday Night Football for the second time this season and in primetime for the third time this season. This time, they welcome Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers to MetLife Stadium for a key AFC battle.
The Jets come into this week at 4-3, tied with the Browns and Bengals for the final spot in the AFC playoff race. The Chargers are right on their tails at 3-4, so this game is a key swing game at the halfway point of the NFL season.
How do the NFL experts view the Jets for Week 9? Let’s take a look.
ESPN
Stephania Bell: Chargers
Matt Bowen: Chargers
Mike Clay: Chargers
Jeremy Fowler: Chargers
Dan Graziano: Chargers
Kimberley A. Martin: Chargers
Eric Moody: Chargers
Jason Reid: Chargers
Lindsey Thiry: Chargers
Sam Wickersham: Chargers
MMQB
Albert Breer: Chargers
Mitch Goldich: Chargers
Claire Kuwana: Chargers
Gilberto Manzano: Chargers
Conor Orr: Chargers
John Pluym: Chargers
Matt Verderame: Jets
Bleacher Report
Bleacher Report’s Week 9 picks
Gary Davenport: Chargers
Brad Gagnon: Jets
Ian Hanford: Jets
Kristopher Knox: Chargers
Maurice Moton: Chargers
Wes O’Donnell: Chargers
Brent Sobleski: Chargers
Score prediction: Chargers 22, Jets 17
CBS Sports
CBS Sports Week 9 pick
Pete Prisco: Chargers 21, Jets 17. “The Chargers seemed to right things against the Bears, but this is a long trip against a good defensive team. That will cause problems for Justin Herbert. The Chargers defense has been bad for most of the season, but they showed some improvement last week. Look for the Chargers to come in here and get the best of it as Herbert does enough to pull it out late. “
Sporting News
Sporting News’ Week 9 picks
Vinnie Iyer: Jets 24, Chargers 20. “”The Chargers got a nice get-well game at home against the Bears’ listless pass defense on Sunday night. They won’t have the same advantage on the road in prime time eight days later. The Jets’ zone defense and inside pressure can contain what Justin Herbert does beyond shorter passes to Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen. The Chargers’ defense is still exploitable in many areas, especially vs. second-year playmakers Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. Robert Saleh out-coaches Brandon Staley in a classic close game for both teams.
Bill Bender: Chargers 24, Jets 20. “The Jets are back in prime time and riding a three-game win streak, but they are an underdog on a few sportsbooks with a line that has seen a lot of movement. Zach Wilson has a 52.2% completion percentage the last two weeks, and they will need to score to keep up with the Chargers. Justin Herbert is coming off his best game of the season.”
Overall expert tally
Number of experts picking Jets: 4
Number of experts picking Chargers: 23
