The Aaron Rodgers – and Zach Wilson – effect is taking shape on betting markets.
Prior to Rodgers going down, the Jets opened at +3 against the Cowboys at FanDuel.
They reopened Tuesday morning as 7.5-point dogs before sharp money moved the line further, to Jets +9.5 for their Week 2 game in Dallas against the Cowboys following Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury Monday night.
This would imply that Rodgers is worth 6.5 points to the spread, likely more than any quarterback not named Patrick Mahomes.
Zach Wilson, barring a trade or free agent signing, is expected to start.
This line would have been much lower with Rodgers under center, but the Jets are bracing for life without the four-time NFL MVP.
Teams are spotted three points at home, and this line indicates sportsbooks believe there is a sizable gap between the two teams without Rodgers playing.
There are plenty of questions about Zach Wilson’s effectiveness, even if he led the Jets back from a 10-point comeback in Monday’s 22-16 overtime win vs. the Bills.
Some could argue Josh Allen had as much to do with that rally as Wilson.
Wilson completed 14 of 21 passes for 140 yards, one touchdown – an incredible catch by Garrett Wilson – and one interception in relief of Rodgers.
Rodgers is known for being a Dallas killer, which would have affected this line.
| Jets vs. Cowboys odds | After Rodgers injury |
|---|---|
| Open: Jets (+3) at. Cowboys | Now: Jets (+9.5) at Cowboys |
| Open: Over/Under 45 (-110) | Now: Over/Under 39.5 (-110) |
The Jets’ defense is likely what is keeping this spread from being double digits since the unit held Allen and the Bills to 16 points while tallying three interceptions.
A good defense gives the Jets a chance to keep this game within a touchdown against a Dallas team that had the most dominant win of Week 1.
The Cowboys absolutely throttled the Giants in every facet in their 40-0 road win on Sunday night.
Dallas’ defense harassed Daniel Jones, Tony Pollard had his way with the Giants’ defense and the Cowboys’ special teams unit blocked a field goal and returned it for a score.
The Jets’ offensive line is problematic, which played a role in Rodgers suffering his injury, meaning Micah Parsons and Co. could be in for another big day.
Both teams are 1-0 against the spread this year, with the Cowboys covering as 3.5-point favorites against the Giants and the Jets covering as 2.5-point underdogs versus Buffalo.