MMQB's Week 8 NFL Predictions Lean Heavily toward Visitor in MetLife Stadium Matchup

Panelists forecast good day for Jets in local tussle with Giants

The New York Jets are the designated road team, but Sports Illustrated's expert panel suggests that Robert Saleh's team will feel right at home in Week 8 against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Meeting once every four years for a regular season bout, the Jets (3-3) and the Giants (2-5) are set to square off in a crucial non-conference contest on October 29 at 1:00 pm ET in East Rutherford. Both teams posted victories their last time out. The Jets shocked the Philadelphia Eagles before a Week 7 bye while the Giants survived a 14-7 decision against the Washington Commanders on October 22.

"I’m excited, but you said it, it’s once every four years," said Saleh on Wednesday. "I think it’s really cool for the fans. I think it’s great for sports talk radio and all the different newspaper outlets and all that, but it’s a championship opportunity."

In a near-unanimous outcome, six of seven SI predictive panelists chose the Jets to defeat their local rival this Sunday. Senior writer Conor Orr was the lone holdout, predicting a Giants' victory.

Reminder, all MMQB picks are straight up. On the betting line, the Jets are currently a 2.5-point "road" favorite over the Giants, according to SI Sportsbook. Gang Green, which owns a 4-2 record "against the spread," is favored for the first time this season.

The Jets won this year's annual preseason meeting between the two organizations. With Aaron Rodgers opening the scoring by hitting Garrett Wilson for a touchdown pass, the Green & White went on to post a 32-24 victory on August 26.

Now nearly midway through the regular season, the Giants' defense has allowed only three total touchdowns over its past two games. 

"They’re playing a lot better," said Saleh of the Jets' cross-town rivals. "Defensively, you guys know how much respect I have for Wink [Martindale] and what they do. They’ve been making it very hard."

On the other hand, the Jets' offense has mustered up just seven touchdowns in six games.

Each team will be without a notable offensive starter this Sunday. Giants' quarterback Daniel Jones will miss his third straight game due to a neck injury, making way for veteran backup Tyrod Taylor to take the reins. Meanwhile, Jets' rookie right guard Joe Tippmann was ruled out with a quad injury.

Jets' Week 8 Win Probability Will Hinge on Key Matchup vs. Giants

MMQB Predictions (Jets at Giants)

Albert Breer, senior NFL reporter
Pick: Jets

Conor Orr, senior writer
Pick: Giants

Gilberto Manzano, staff writer
Pick: Jets

Matt Verderame, staff writer
Pick: Jets

John Pluym, managing editor
Pick: Jets

Mitch Goldich, editor
Pick: Jets

Claire Kuwana, editor
Pick: Jets

Final Injury Report: Jets Won't Have Tippmann, Two Giants Also Ruled Out

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