Monday Night Football Predictions: Los Angeles Chargers vs New York Jets

In the final game of the first half of the 2023 NFL regular season, the Los Angeles Chargers make the long trip east to play on the newest and worst playing surface in the NFL when the New York Jets play host at MetLife Stadium.

Last week’s game versus the Giants was somehow uglier than the 13-10 final score in overtime. Players’ bodies were pounded onto the rock-hard turf in the rain. As you might imagine, injuries abound for both teams.

On Sunday, the Los Angeles Chargers offense rebounded from their worst performance of the season with a 30-13 drubbing of the Chicago Bears, sin Justin Fields. The Chargers leading rusher, Austin Ekeler, ran the ball 15 times for only 29 yards.

That says a lot about the health of Justin Herbert, along with where his head is. Some of the media were already speculating about his future with the team. I don't think we can call him one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but his ceiling is definitely there.

Herbert hasn't got a lot of help from his defense, serving him up long fields and long breaks on the sidelines. They are possibly the worst unit in the NFL at defending the pass, but their run defense has improved and is top 5 in the league over the last 3 games.

This is a classic matchup of a high-level offense vs a vaunted defense, but the other two units for these teams may prove to be the difference. Let's check the betting odds and make a prediction for this Monday night game between the LA Chargers and the New York Jets.

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Chargers vs Jets Betting Odds

Point Spread

Chargers: -3 (-110)

Jets: +3 (-110)

This one opened at just (-1.5) for the road favorite Chargers, but it quickly moved to 2.5 and, most recently, to a field goal.

Moneyline

Chargers: -160

Jets: +140

The home underdog New York Jets pay very well at (+140), but since the point spread has moved to the key number of 3 points, I would take the points if you like New York.

Do you want to lay (-160) on an inconsistent team with one of the worst pass defenses in the league?

Point Total

Over 41.5: -110

Under 41.5: -110

If you like the under in this game, the New York Jets do have the 4th best red zone defense along with the 32nd-ranked red zone offense. Oh, and that same offense is also the worst in the league at 32nd in 3rd down efficiency.

They have improved slightly under Zach Wilson, but he remains inconsistent. If his defense can give him some short fields and time to deliver the ball, he has a chance to shine against this Chargers pass defense.

Chargers vs Jets Analysis

I am going to steer clear from picking a side in this game. We have essentially a top-five offense versus a top-five defense. Something has got to give one way or the other, and it's hard to tell which way that will be.

The trip eastward is going to suck some life out of the Chargers, but I feel that will probably rear its head later in the game. You can get the LA Chargers' first half betting line at (-1.5). They did not run the ball effectively whatsoever this past week, but they still put up 30 against a strong defense.

Chargers vs Jets Prediction

I cannot trust the Chargers defense, though. Both offenses will have had an extra day to prepare for this one. The over is set at just 41.5.

Both teams have playmakers on offense. As far as Wilson is concerned, he is inconsistent, and guys like him usually struggle against good defenses and play well against bad ones.

It's hard to keep the Chargers under 20 points, and the LA defense has given up 20 points in 5 of their games.

Pick: Over 41.5 Points

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