MetLife Stadium will play host to an unforgettable Halloween night game between two sides that know how to scare their fans – the New York Jets are known for giving fans quite the shock, while Houston Texans may see some weather related interference during this matchup.
Recent weather updates reveal a 20% chance of rainfall after 2 AM, with temperatures forecasted to be in the vicinity of 73degF at game start-time. National Weather Service anticipates mostly cloudy skies with southwest winds blowing at 8mph with gusts up to 17mph during the first quarter.
The Texans, who find themselves at a 6-2 record, will have to navigate these conditions on the road. They are already underdogs by 1.5 points according to BetMGM, particularly challenging given this will be their inaugural game without star receiver Stefon Diggs due to a season-ending ACL injury. Quarterback C.J. Stroud expressed the difficulty of staying positive amidst these challenges.
As the game advances, cloud cover is expected to slightly increase from 57% at kickoff to 60% by the end of the game. Wind speeds could also rise to 19 mph in the latter half, potentially complicating the passing game for both teams on the FieldTurf surface.
These potentially slippery conditions might actually be a strategic advantage for the Jets, who are currently on a five-game losing streak. Their pass rush could become more effective in such weather, turning the game into a closely fought battle where every play could be critical, especially if the forecasted rain showers come to pass.
Focusing on the Running Game
With rain possibly affecting the passing game, the focus might shift to the ground game where Joe Mixon stands out as a crucial player for Houston. Ranking third in the NFL with an average of 100.6 yards per game, Mixon’s role becomes even more vital for the Texans’ offense in light of Diggs’s absence, according to coach DeMeco Ryans.
On the defensive side, the Jets’ edge rusher Haason Reddick is looking to capitalize on his recent performance. With C.J. Stroud having been sacked 22 times this season, any added pressure from the defensive front could prove pivotal, especially in wet conditions.
This game’s total points over/under has been set at 42 to reflect its high degree of competition between these teams. While the Texans have struggled this year as favorites to cover spreads (only once was managed against Patriots), while Jets need something big to happen for them in order to revive their season and recapture what has been missing so far this year.
At 7:15 PM CT on Thursday evening, both teams have an opportunity to either keep pace in the AFC, or find redemption against each other. Showers could potentially interrupt this battle of attrition between MetLife Stadium’s lights and old-school football’s intensity reminiscent of olden days! The slight chance of rain makes sure this contest won’t disappoint under its bright lights either way!