The Detroit Lions will enter Sunday as 6.5-point favorites when they host the New York Jets at Ford Field in Week 3 NFL action.
New York doesn't have enough offense to keep up with Detroit, which is why I'm backing the home team to cover in my Jets vs. Lions prediction. Read on to see my full analysis and get all my free NFL picks for Week 3.
TOP Pick
Jets vs Lions prediction: Lions -6.5
The New York Jets have managed to split their first two games, but their level of opposition is about to increase significantly. PFF rates the Jets as having the fourth-easiest schedule in the NFL through the first two weeks, and they now head on the road to face a Detroit Lions team that has scored 31 points in each of its first two games.
Detroit's defense will get a breather this week, with the Jets ranking 19th in scoring offense (20.0 ppg) and 27th in yards per play (4.8). That's a significant downgrade from the Buffalo Bills offense that put up 41 points on the Lions last week.
I like Detroit to cover at home as long as the spread remains below a touchdown at 6.5 points.
COVERS INTEL: The Jets rank 28th in the NFL at -0.23 EPA per run, which will help negate one of Detroit's biggest defensive weaknesses, as the Lions have allowed 294 rushing yards through two games.
Jets vs Lions combo
The Jets are struggling to put up points, but their defense has shown up big to start the season, allowing only 15.0 ppg. The Lions will be New York's toughest test yet, but the Jets' defensive EPA per play of -0.21 suggests they'll be a tough nut to crack regardless of how explosive the opponent is. I'm backing the Under at a generous total of 48.5 points.
Still, the lion's share of the points should come from Detroit. Jared Goff has already thrown for six touchdowns without an interception this season, and he'll find Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta plenty on Sunday. I like Goff to throw for at least two scores to round out our combo.
Jets vs Lions combo
- Lions -6.5
- Under 48.5
- Jared Goff 2+ passing TDs
Jets vs Lions touchdown scorer: Amon-Ra St. Brown
St. Brown has now scored 10+ touchdowns in three straight seasons, and he's off to an even faster start in 2026. Detroit's star receiver has scored twice in each of his first two games of the season, catching 19 passes for 209 yards in that span.
There's no reason to think St. Brown will get less of the ball against the Jets, who have been equally effective against the pass and the run. I'm taking St. Brown to score at up to 55% in Week 3.
- Top picks: 1-0, +0.82 units
- Combos: 0-1, -1.00 unit
Jets vs Lions odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Jets +6.5 | Lions -6.5
- Over/Under: Over 48.5 (49%) | Under 48.5 (52%)
- Moneyline: Jets 28% | Lions 72%
For the full slate of NFL matchups, check out our NFL odds board!
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Jets vs Lions weather
This game is taking place under the dome at Ford Field, so weather won't be a factor.
Check out our NFL weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Jets vs Lions trend to know
Lions are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 3. Find more NFL betting trends for Jets vs. Lions.
How to watch Jets vs Lions
| Location | Ford Field, Detroit, Mich. |
| Date | Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Jets vs Lions latest injuries
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