In the first game of a Monday night ESPN NFL doubleheader, the New York Jets will travel to Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions. The Jets come into the 2018 season with plenty of optimism and much of it has to do with number three overall draft pick Sam Darnold. The former USC star, Darnold, has impressed this preseason and figures to draw the starting nod from head coach Todd Bowles. The Jets figure to lean heavily on the running back tandem of Bilal Powell and Isaiah Crowell to help ease Darnold’s transition.
New York figures to be good on the defensive side of the ball and landed free-agent CB Trumaine Johnson in free agency to be their shutdown corner. The Jets need to improve on a pass-rush that ranked near the bottom of the NFL a season ago. The Detroit Lions are coming off consecutive 9-7 records and hired former New England defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to replace Jim Caldwell as head coach. Patricia inherits a quarterback in his prime, Matthew Stafford, and an array of offensive weapons to work with. Detroit must improve a rushing game that ranked last in the league in 2017 and drafted Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson to be their workhorse back.
The Lions ranked 27th in total defense a season ago and will likely transition to a primarily three-man front scheme like the one Patricia ran so successfully in New England. DE Ezekiel Ansah must be accounted for by the opposition and finished with 12 sacks last year.
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New York WR Jermaine Kearse has been ruled out for week one after requiring surgery on his abdominal injury. Darnold looks to be the real deal for the Jets, but his offensive line needs to play at a higher level. Look for the Lions to get after the rookie and pull away late for a cover on Monday. Final Score Prediction, Detroit Lions win and cover ATS 27-18.
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