On Saturday, the New York Jets will host the Washington Commanders as both teams kick off their preseason schedule.
Here’s everything you need to know about this Week 1 preseason matchup between the Commanders and Jets, including how to watch, how to listen, the start time, and more.
Washington Commanders at New York Jets
- Start time: Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, Noon ET
- Channel: Local
- Live stream options: NFL+
- Radio stations: Commanders Radio Network, Jets Radio Network
- Starting QBs: Jayden Daniels, Tyrod Taylor
- Betting lines:
- Spread: WAS -2.5
- Total: 34
- Moneyline: WAS -148, NYJ +124
The Washington Commanders make their preseason debut at MetLife Stadium, taking on the New York Jets.
The Commanders saw another significant change this offseason, with head coach Ron Rivera agreeing to part ways with the franchise after a rough couple of seasons. The new ownership group brought Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to take as head coach as the team transitions into a new era.
With Sam Howell gone, the Commanders selected quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall draft pick. He is expected to take over for the franchise in Week 1. The Commanders bolstered their RB group by adding Austin Ekeler behind Brian Robinson Jr. However, outside of Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, Washington’s pass catchers have much to prove in 2024 to make Daniels’ life easier.
The signing of TE Zach Ertz adds some experience to the group, but will the veteran overcome his recent injury bug and contribute to the roster? ‘
The offensive line is still an area of concern. While Howell’s sacks were not always a result of poor blocking, their contributions to the offense were mediocre.
The Commanders have tried to bring in talent to improve the defense, but holes on the defensive line and secondary hinder this squad’s continued defensive success. 2024 will be a year of growth for Washington unless Daniels can have a Stroud-like start under center.
From rookie to veteran, it’s playoff win or bust for the Jets in 2024. While it looks like he won’t get much preseason time, Aaron Rodgers is back and ready to go for the Jets after a disastrous Week 1 in 2023 when he tore his Achilles. With Rodgers getting another shot to show New York he can lead the franchise, the Jets have gone boom or bust with their offseason additions.
Another offseason addition, former Los Angeles Charger WR Mike Williams, has been a reliable deep threat throughout his seven-year career with an average of 13.65 air yards per target and 15.6 yards per reception. However, the last two seasons have been marred by a high ankle sprain and torn ACL. Will the WR bounce back to his usual self?
Life with Rodgers hasn’t entirely gone to plan. While Jets fans will be spared the doom and gloom of another Zach Wilson-led season, staying healthy will be the most significant factor for a successful Jets season.
Bringing in a solid backup eases some of that stress, and getting to see veteran signal-caller Tyrod Taylor do his thing in the preseason should ease some minds if Rodgers does miss a game or two.
Commanders vs. Jets Betting Preview
The Washington Commanders’ roster seemingly has question marks as they adapt to a new coaching staff and a quarterback overhaul. That will mean preseason should carry more weight for them compared to a New York Jets team that knows many of its starting pieces.
The Commanders are likely to play their first-string options for longer, so betting them to win the first quarter or the first half. Holding on in the latter stages is a different question, but when you start higher on the depth chart, you end up playing the bottom of your depth chart for less time.
For more betting analysis, make sure to check out PFN’s Week 1 preseason picks and predictions.
Fantasy Players To Watch
New York Jets: WR Malachi Corley
We already know Aaron Rodgers is not playing a snap in the preseason. It’s hard to imagine the rest of the starters will see much action, if at all.
One guy who will definitely play is rookie WR Malachi Corley. He’s been getting positive reviews out of training camp.
Primarily a screen specialist in college, it will be interesting to see if Corley can run a full route tree. How the Jets utilize him in the preseason may give us a clue as to what his upside is as a fantasy asset during the season.
Washington Commanders: RB Austin Ekeler
We have no idea if a veteran like Austin Ekeler will play in the preseason. If he does, he will be one of the most important players to watch.
Based on his play last year, at 29 years old, Ekeler looks to be a player in significant decline. However, there is a chance his drop in efficiency last season was due to his ankle injury.
Seeing how Ekeler looks in preseason action would go a long way toward concluding why Ekeler struggled last season. Most importantly, it would provide insight as to whether we should expect him to bounce back in 2024.
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