Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will get his first professional action on Saturday when he starts for the Washington Commanders in their preseason opener against the New York Jets.
Although the Jets are likely to rest their veteran quarterbacks in this contest, they will have plenty of defensive depth to make Daniels’ life tough in his first NFL appearance.
My Commanders vs. Jets predictions and NFL picks take a closer look at what we should see when these two teams hit the field on August 10.
Commanders vs Jets prediction
My best bet
Under 34.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
My analysis
Jayden Daniels enjoyed a highly productive college career at Arizona State and LSU, culminating in a Heisman Trophy performance last season. That led to the Washington Commanders drafting him second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The rookie pivot is likely to be the starter for the Commanders during the regular season, barring some unexpected setbacks in training camp or preseason play. That starts with Washington head coach Dan Quinn marking Daniels as QB1 for Saturday afternoon.
However, Daniels will get a tough test in his first matchup. He’s facing off against a New York Jets defense that allowed only 168.3 passing yards per game last season, keeping New York competitive despite Aaron Rodgers' season-ending injury.
The Jets aren’t likely to give many reps to their starting defenders in Saturday’s game, but that hasn’t meant much historically, as the team has used the preseason to show off its defensive depth in recent years.
That has been particularly true against rookie quarterbacks. Last year, the Jets faced No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young in exhibition action, holding Young to just one first down in three possessions and preventing the rookie from completing a single pass of over eight yards.
With Washington looking to answer questions about its wide receiver depth — Brycen Tremayne and Mitch Tinsley are likely to be fighting for roster spots, while starters like Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson get limited, if any, playing time — it’s unlikely that Daniels will benefit from any spectacular play against one of the best secondaries in football.
The Jets won’t be focusing much on their first-team offense, either. In New York’s case, that’s being done to protect their veteran arms.
It’s no surprise that the Jets want to protect Rodgers after what happened last year, but they’ll also be sitting 35-year-old backup Tyrod Taylor. Rookie Jordan Travis is also injured, meaning undrafted rookie Andrew Peasley and UFL MVP Adrian Martinez will be sharing QB duties for New York.
None of this is a recipe for a high-scoring game, even by preseason standards. With the Jets presenting a suffocating defense and a very questionable offense against a rookie QB for Washington, the Under is the play on Saturday.
Commanders vs Jets odds
Commanders vs Jets live odds
Commanders vs Jets opening odds
- Spread: Washington -1.5 (-110) | New York +1.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Washington -125 | New York +105
- Over/Under: Over 33.5 (-110) | Under 33.5 (-110)
Commanders vs Jets betting trend to know
The Jets allowed an average of 14.5 points per game in their four preseason contests last year. Find more NFL betting trends for Commanders vs Jets.
Commanders vs Jets game info
| Location: | Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ |
| Date: | Saturday, August 10, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NFL Network |
Commanders vs Jets weather
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