SNF Split Predictions Lean Slightly to Raiders over Jets

Seven-person MMQB panel releases picks ahead of Week 10 action

The Sports Illustrated weekly prediction panel is split on the projected outcome of the New York Jets' visit to Las Vegas.

In a 4-to-3 decision, the panelists favor the Raiders to prevail on Sunday Night Football in Week 10.

SI senior reporter Albert Breer leads a trio of experts who are backing the Jets (4-4), but a John Pluym-led quartet is siding with the home team, which appeared to receive a bounce from the recent head coaching change. In Antonio Pierce's first game at the helm, the Raiders (4-5) blasted the New York Giants, 30-6, in Week 9.

"They’re talented. Their defense is really freaking good. Offensively, obviously [running back] Josh Jacobs and [receiver] Davante [Adams] are two of the best in football," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh. "They played with a lot of juice, a lot of energy last week."

Meanwhile, the Jets enter off a 27-6 setback to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. Gang Green has scored only eight offensive touchdowns in eight games and is responsible for a league-worst 22.12 percent success rate on third down.

The Jets' injury-ravaged offensive line struggled against Chargers' stars Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack last week, allowing eight sacks to the Bolts. Now, it must find a way to neutralize Raiders' game-wrecker Maxx Crosby, who had a 3.0-sack day against the Giants.

"He’s like the Energizer Bunny. He just keeps on going and going and going," said Saleh about the Raiders' respected edge rusher. "He’s got tremendous instinct and feel and plays with violence."

The Jets may be best off trying to establish the run against the Raiders, who rank 27th in the NFL for yards per carry allowed (4.54). Gang Green running back Breece Hall ranks second amongst individual league leaders with 5.2 yards per rush. 

On the other side of the ball, the Green & White will look to apply pressure on Raiders' rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who has one touchdown pass and two interceptions through two starts. 

"A guy that doesn’t look like a rookie by any means. Great poise," said Jets' defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.

It should be fun to watch the battle between Adams and Jets' cornerback Sauce Gardner, two of the NFL's elite performers at their respective positions.

"I know our guys are excited to play against him, because he is absolutely still one of the best wide receivers in this league," said Ulbrich about the defense facing a three-time All-Pro First Team pass-catcher.

Reminder, all SI weekly picks are straight up. On the betting line, the Jets are a slight 1.5-point road favorite in the November 12 matchup that is set to kick off at 8:20 pm ET.

Jets Slightly Favored over Raiders Despite Week 9 Results

MMQB Predictions (Jets at Raiders)

Albert Breer, senior NFL reporter
Pick: Jets 

Conor Orr, senior writer
Pick: Jets

Gilberto Manzano, staff writer
Pick: Raiders

Matt Verderame, staff writer
Pick: Raiders

John Pluym, managing editor
Pick: Raiders

Mitch Goldich, editor
Pick: Raiders

Claire Kuwana, editor
Pick: Jets

Final Injury Report: Two Jets' Tackles Ruled Out, Raiders' Bookend Doubtful

READ MORE:

Jets' Situational Success Goes From Bad to Worse; Will It Improve vs. Raiders?

Saleh Not Subscribing to Zach Wilson Conspiracy Theories

Jets, Entire AFC East Slip in Weekly NFL Power Rankings