NFL WEEK 9
GREG COTE’S THURSDAY PICK
JETS (2-5) at COLTS (3-5)
Line: IND by 10 1/2.
Cote’s pick: IND 30-16.
TV: 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Fox/NFL.
We all know how this goes, right? Jets fans, especially. On Sunday little-known Mike White became only the second QB ever to throw for 400 yards in his first NFL start (after Cam Newton in 2011). Four nights later, in the Week 9 Thursday kickoff, with a thud White falls back to Earth. The Colts, with tape on White, remind everyone why he was a fifth-round pick who hung around four years before finally getting his shot thanks only to Zach Wilson’s knee injury. NYJ is improved but not a good team based on upsetting Cincy. They are minus-10 in turnovers, third worst in the league. They do not have the defense to bring out the worst (and it’s always in there somewhere) in Carson Wentz. Indy is on a 4-10 skid vs. sub-.500 teams, but desperation and a home edge magnified in prime time should summon a big, focused effort by a Colts team seen as playoff-caliber and now teetering. Nags have blown 19- and 14-point leads in past two losses. No three-peat here. Big number but Indy on a 6-1 roll against the spread at night and see another cover here.
[Note: Betting line courtesy Caesars Sportsbook as of midday Wednesday.]
