Football Line – Team Depth Will Be on Display When Jets Travel to Philadelphia

The 1-2 New York Jets take on the 2-1 Philadelphia Eagles in a last tune up game before the regular season with the Football Line reflecting the notion that this could be a close game. With most roster spots already determined, the goal of this game appears to keep the starters healthy.

NEW YORK JETS vs. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Thursday, September 2, 7:30 PM
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Football Line:

New York: + 1 ½ (-110)
Philadelphia: - 1 ½ (-110)

Total: 34 points: Over (110), Under (110)

The New York Jets have struggled in the preseason and even though the Football Line had them favored in each of their three games so far, they have managed just a 1-2 record. In their last two games, they have scored a combined 20 points, failing to score more than 12 in each.

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 60% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? So go on JOIN NOW.]

Mark Sanchez has looked average so far but chances are that he will see limited, if any, playing time on Thursday. Mark Brunell and Kellen Clemens will handle the bulk of the workload. Both are battling for the primary backup role and both will need to impress in order to maintain a roster spot.

The Jets’ running game has been a bright spot in the preseason which is good news for a team so heavily dependent on the run. Shonne Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson have been solid and with little or nothing to prove, they should be limited against Philadelphia. Rookie Joe McKnight will see the bulk of the carries and could work himself onto the opening day roster. One player assured of extended playing time is Santonio Holmes who will sit out the first four Regular Season games due to suspension.

The Jets defense has been solid as expected but is a little nicked up at the moment. The first team may make a cameo appearance but that’s about it.

Philadelphia has struggled offensively in the preseason as well. Not unlike the Jets, the starters will mostly see limited, if any, playing time.

Coach Andy Reid has already penciled in Michael Vick as the starting quarterback for Thursday’s contest and surprisingly, the Football line still has the Eagles favored. Vick has been brutal in the preseason so far with a 33.7 quarterback rating and three interceptions in limited action. He will be a Free Agent next season and needs to pick up his game immediately or face the prospect of being a career backup. Mike Kafka, Philadelphia’s third string quarterback will likely play the whole second half. Philadelphia’s offensive line is dinged up and will likely get most of the night off.

Like the starting quarterback, the running backs will be limited. LeSean McCoy and Mike Bell will probably rest, paving the way for Eldra Buckley and JJ Arrington to battle for the third running back spot.

The Philadelphia defense has been decent in the preseason but the starters won’t see much action.

Football Line Outlook:

With both teams resting most of their starter, it is difficult to pick a winner in this contest. However, with Michael Vick starting, I don’t like Philadelphia’s chances. The Jets will want to finish the preseason strong and take some momentum into Week 1 of the Regular Season.

Football Line Pick: New York Jets + 1 ½