Categories
NFL

2010 AFC Divisional Round Lines: Jets Chargers Free Predictions

Shea Matthews weighs in with his pick and preview for the 2010 AFC divisional round playoff matchup on tap for the N.Y. Jets vs. San Diego Chargers. Oddsmakers currently have the Chargers listed as 8-point favorites versus the Jets, while the game’s total is sitting at 42…

NFL Divisional Playoff Betting – Jets vs Chargers Preview & Pick

As the New York Giants showed us in 2007, the team with the greatest momentum, not necessarily the greatest record, often makes the most noise in the NFL playoffs. By that logic, the San Diego Chargers are sitting pretty entering their home matchup with the New York Jets this weekend.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR TOP CAPPERS’ PREMIUM PICKS FOR NFL BETTING —–>
No AFC team dominated like the Bolts did in the second half of the season.

New York Jets @ San Diego Chargers

Sunday, January 17, 4:40 p.m. ET
Line: Chargers -7

For San Diego, the sun rises and sets with their offense, which scored 20 or more points in every game this season. The days of LaDainian Tomlinson making the offense go are long gone; this is Philip Rivers’ team now. Largely overshadowed by Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in the AFC, Rivers has been everything the Chargers wanted and more. He has back-to-back seasons of 4,000 yards, 28 or more touchdown passes, a passer rating above 100 and a completion percentage above 65. The key for Rivers is his gigantic targets. Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd are all 6’5” and Jackson has an amazing ability to get deep for a big man.

The Chargers also play steady pass defense and pose a difficult matchup for rookie Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets. But the home team isn’t perfect by any means. It struggled to the NFL’s No. 31 rushing attack using Tomlinson and Darren Sproles; they’ll be hard-pressed to do much damage at all on the ground.

We all knew Rex Ryan would transform the Jets’ defense. But did we ever imagine that he’d turn them into the league’s No. 1 unit in just one season? It’s an absolute chore to pass against the Jets, largely because they have All-Pro shutdown corner Darrelle Revis ready to take on the best wideouts every team has to offer. Revis, a film room nut, will be ready for Jackson.

Another chink in San Diego’s armor is its run defense and the Jets can exploit that. Gang Green leads the NFL in rushing, having averaged 172.3 yards per game. Thomas Jones quietly amassed the third most yards in the league this year and rookie Shonn Greene proved last week against Cincinnati that he can take over a game too.

Considering the major strengths New York brings to the table, it’s safe to say it won’t go quietly. But, unlike last week, I think Mark Sanchez will be their undoing. Sanchez played the caretaker role to perfection last week, going 12 for 15 and not turning over the ball once. That was enough against Cincinnati, the lowest-scoring playoff team by far. The Chargers will score, even against the Jets. If Revis neutralizes Jackson, Gates will have a field day, and vise versa. Playing from behind, the Jets can’t rely on their running game the same way. They’ll have no choice but to air it out and I don’t think Sanchez is ready to take that step.

Expect a tight game early but the Chargers will prevail and cover the spread. Watch out for the Jets next year, though.

Gambling Trends:

NY Jets are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
NY Jets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games
NY Jets are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games on the road
NY Jets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
San Diego is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego’s last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego’s last 6 games at home

Pick: Chargers -7

Bookmaker Sportsbook is your football betting headquarters for Divisional Playoff Weekend, so OPEN AN ACCOUNT FOR FREE today!

20% SIGN UP BONUS - "SPECIAL" PLUS 10% EXTRA BONUS, JUST EMAIL [email protected]
TO GRAB THE EXTRA 10%. CLICK SIGN UP NOW TO GRAB YOUR FREE FOOTBALL BETTING $$$$


Shea Matthews lives and breathes sports. He made the transition from athlete to sports journalist at a young age, writing in TV & national newspapers. He now applies his knowledge to sports betting and handicapping every day, and shares his winning picks with the world.