Many predicted a tough time for the New York Jets after Aaron Rodgers went down with an Achilles injury four snaps into the season opener. But somehow they survived and enter their Week 9 Monday Night Football matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers riding a 3-game winning streak and boasting a winning overall record. Despite being a game up on the Bolts in the AFC standings and playing at home, the Jets are a 3-point underdog on the early NFL betting line at BetRivers sportsbook.

The teams reached this point in the season with opposite playing styles. The Chargers rank among the top 10 in the NFL in scoring and average over 362 yards per game. Offense has been a challenge for the Jets with an average of nearly 100 yards fewer per game while scoring a touchdown less per contest. New York does its work on the defensive side placing among the top 10 in fewest points allowed while the Bolts are ahead of only Denver in most yards conceded per game. So you can see why a same game parlay is especially difficult in this matchup. That’s not going to stop us from playing, though, as we scour the odds for winning NFL betting picks.

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Despite playing in a massive media market, the Jets haven’t been a ratings boom. Seven straight losing seasons and no playoffs since the 2010 campaign can sour a fanbase and those who cover the team. Expectations were through the roof when the Jets swung a deal for three-time MVP Aaron Rodgers to fill a position that’s been a black hole for the organization since the days of Joe Willie Namath. They weren’t the Super Bowl favorite at the start of the year, but their odds were shorter than what we’ve seen in the past. Then, in typical Jets fashion, Rodgers was done for the season on the first series of the year.

With Zach Wilson running the show the Jets have struggled for the most part. There’s been more bad than good from the former first-round draft pick, but the coaching staff had to revise the game plan after Rodgers went down. Wilson completed just 47 percent of his passes last week and with a banged up offensive line we’ll likely see him scamper around more. He gained 25 yards on four carries last week topping this week’s prop number of 13.5 in each of his last four games.

After scoring 10 points in each of Wilson’s first two starts the Jets have improved slightly. They scored at least 20 points three times in their last four outings dropping a season-high 31 on the Broncos. New York has some talent on the offensive side and can do damage against lesser defenses, which the Chargers certainly have. I like the Jets to go OVER their point total of 18.5 on the NFL betting line.

The Jets rank fifth in the NFL yielding just 184.4 passing yards per game while intercepting eight passes. It’s hard to say they’re that good, though, with some luck along the way. They faced an ailing Jalen Hurts two weeks ago and played against Giants’ backups Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito last week with the pair combining to attempt 14 passes with -9 net passing yards. Justin Herbert is better and LA boasts the sixth-best passing attack in the NFL. Herbert had the protective covering on his non-throwing hand removed last week and threw for 298 yards. With a ground game that’s been average at best, the Bolts will have to throw making the OVER on Herbert’s 251.5 passing yards a strong NFL wager on my same game parlay.

New York is winning thanks to its defense keeping games close. Five of their games have been decided by six points or less with the unit holding opponents to an average of 18.4 points. I do think the Chargers will win this game, though it will be close. So it’s a good thing there’s a NFL wager for scoring margin. I’ll back the Bolts winning by up to six points, but I’m not as confident that they cover the 3-point spread on the NFL betting line.

Zach Wilson OVER 13.5 Rushing Yards

New York OVER 18.5 Points

Justin Herbert OVER 251.5 Passing Yards

Chargers Winning Margin 1-6 Points

Bet $100 to Win $2000 On This MNF Same Game Parlay at BetRivers.