Published Dec 9, 7:08pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 9, 7:08pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Dec 9, 7:08pm ET
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|---|---|
| Jacksonville Jaguars | -12 (-115) |
| New York Jets | +12 (-105) |
The Jets' players have little to play for other than proving to the front office and head coach Aaron Glenn that they have a role for 2026 and beyond. For the organization, there's the temptation to try and get a higher draft pick.
As bad as their record is, they have not outright quit. It's difficult for any team to compete and win without competent quarterbacking. And they stayed too long with Justin Fields before acknowledging the reality that he's not the answer for them.
In Week 14, the suddenly scorching hot Dolphins blew them out 34-10. New York held Tua Tagovailoa to 127 yards passing, but could not stop running backs De'Von Achane (92 yards on 7 carries) or Jaylen Wright (107 yards on 24 carries). Each scored a TD.
Jets QB Tyrod Taylor left the game with a groin injury. With Fields dealing with a knee issue, Taylor was replaced by rookie Brady Cook. Cook completed 14 of 30 passes for 163 yards and was picked off twice. The Dolphins sacked him 6 times. But he did show flashes and was plagued by receiver drops.
Beautiful ball placement here from Brady Cook on what looks like a likely @nyjets TD but John Metchie logs Gang Green's fifth drop of the day. pic.twitter.com/XMFWJ6pJhh
— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) December 7, 2025
To highlight exactly how unknown Cook is, Pro-Football Reference doesn't know how old he is.
The one area in which the Jets have been strong this season is the run game. But Jacksonville is the best in the league at stopping the run, leading the league in fewest yards allowed on the ground per game.
The Jets are four games away from getting through an entire season without recording an interception, which is like finding a wormhole when you drop your phone between the seat and the center console of your car.
ALSO SEE: Bills vs Patriots Week 15 Odds & NFL Pick (Dec 14)
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Justin Fields, QB | INJURED |
| Tyrod Taylor, QB | INJURED |
| Tony Adams, S | INJURED |
| Garrett Wilson, WR | INJURED |
The Jaguars have had a remarkable turnaround under rookie head coach Liam Coen. After a 4-13 season in 2024 and questions as to whether Trevor Lawrence is the long-term answer at QB, the Jaguars are nearly a shoo-in for the playoffs and have beaten some top-tier teams on the way up, including the Texans, Chiefs, 49ers, and Chargers.
In their Week 14 showdown with the Colts, the team benefited perversely from Daniel Jones blowing out his Achilles. They overwhelmed backup Riley Leonard on the way to a 36-19 win. With the victory, they took over sole possession of 1st place in the AFC South.
Lawrence was 17 for 30 and 244 yards with 2 TD passes. Travis Etienne ran for 74 yards on 20 carries and scored 2 TDs.
Trevor Lawrence vs the Colts in a downpour
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) December 8, 2025
dot dot dot dot dot pic.twitter.com/gt8lUXlqcV
The Jags have been opportunistic with a +8 takeaway differential. They are excellent at defending against the run and are somewhat vulnerable to the pass, ranked 22nd in defensive passing yards per game. But that won't matter against the Jets because they're likely to start the neophyte Cook.
The Jags must have this game.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Andrew Wingard, S | INJURED |
| Parker Washington, WR | INJURED |
| Walker Little, OT | INJURED |
| Travis Hunter, WR/CB | INJURED |
In Week 15 Jets-Jaguars, New York is even more depleted than they've been since the trade deadline when they essentially gutted the place for draft picks. If they're starting Brady Cook at QB, staying within 10 points against the Jags would be an accomplishment even in the context of "any given Sunday."
And that's not in reference to the barely mediocre movie.
New York is playing hard for Glenn, but they're overmatched. It makes no difference whether Cook, Taylor, or Fields is under center for the Jets.
Jacksonville will win easily and cover the heavy spread.
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Pick
Jacksonville Jaguars -12
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