Thursday Night Football Week 9
Week 9 of the NFL season starts tonight as the New York Jets visit the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams have struggled this season and are looking to get a win to build some momentum for the rest of the season.
The visiting Jets are 2-5 in their first year under head coach Robert Saleh. They've largely been considered one of the league's worst teams this year but have earned some surprising victories.
About a month ago, New York earned its first win of the season against the Tennessee Titans in overtime. The Titans lead the AFC South and were a playoff team last year. the Jets are not supposed to win that game, but a great passing day and a missed kick gave them the win.
The Jets also beat the Bengals last week--who came into that game in first place in the AFC North. Quarterback Mike White had a career day as an injury replacement for rookie Zach Wilson, and running back Michael Carter continues to blossom.
Carter has made an impact both rushing and receiving as the team's leading rusher and second-leading receiver. He may not have a great rushing game against the Colts, but Indy is vulnerable on defense. Look for Corey Davis and Jameson Crowder to step up there as well.
The Colts went to the playoffs last season, but their chances are dwindling by the week at 3-5. There are currently 11 teams ahead of them in the AFC, so they likely won't be able to get a wildcard and already lost twice to division leader Tennessee.
Quarterback Carson Wentz has been better than expected, and receiver Michael Pittman Jr and running back Jonathan Taylor have had breakout seasons, yet the offense has struggled to score enough points in most games. Luckily, the Jets don't have a great defense and could provide a fantastic opportunity to get on track.
The Colts have a stout run defense, ranking in the top ten with just four yards per carry allowed on the season. However, the pass defense is subpar--allowing the third-highest completion percentage in the league. That should make things interesting for Mike White's follow-up performance.
The game can be seen on Fox and the NFL Network at 8:20 PM eastern time.