Jets pull Online AFC Odds Upset over Steelers in Defensive Battle

Two of the top defenses in the NFL play for the AFC Championship Sunday when the NY Jets visit Heinz Field to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets knocked off the #1 seed New England Patriots last week and are trying for their third straight road win to advance to the Super Bowl betting. The Steelers dominating defense has led the way and Pittsburgh is trying to reach the Super Bowl for the second time in the last four seasons. This should be a great defensive match-up with plenty of pressure on each quarterback. Tune into CBS on Sunday, January 23rd at 6:30 ET and check out BetOnline sportsbook for all your online AFC odds.

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New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Game Date/Time: Sunday, January 23, 4:30 ET

Game Location: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA

TV/Radio Broadcast: CBS, Sirius

NFL Football Betting Odds

New York Jets (+3.5) -110

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) -110

Over/Under 38.5

These two teams met on this field December 19th and the Jets prevailed 22-17 as a 3.5-point underdog; the same online AFC odds for this championship game. New York won with a clean, controlled game, but the Steelers played that game without Troy Polamalu. The All-Pro safety will be back for this championship game and he is a big part of the Steelers strength on defense.

The Jets managed just 276 yards offense and Brad Smith took the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown in that online AFC odds contest. New York was held to just 4.8 yards per play and did not have any turnovers as quarterback Mark Sanchez was effective and efficient passing for 170 yards under constant pressure. New York runs the ball 33 times per game on average, and while it will be difficult to have success on the ground against the Steelers, look for the Jets to remain committed to their game plan of running the ball with short screens and passes.

Pittsburgh led the NFL in run defense this season holding opponents to just 64 yards per game and 3.0 yards per rush. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is one of the best at disguising pressure packages and forcing quarterbacks into mistakes. Without proper reads and adjustments by Mark Sanchez, New York will struggle to move the ball consistently again in this online AFC odds championship game.

The Jets eight regular season road games had all gone ‘over’ the total, but New York’s defense has been outstanding in slowing the NFL’s top two quarterbacks in the playoffs, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. New York must now face a defensive dominator on their home field in this online AFC odds contest. But the Jets have their own top-tier defense and New York allowed just 291 yards per game and 4.8 yards per play this season to rank top-3 in the NFL in both categories. The Jets secondary is outstanding with a pair of top cover corners in Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. New York allows just 50 percent completions to lead the NFL, and their solid pass rush and blitzing schemes can pressure the quarterback.

NFL Insider Tip: The Jets went 6-2 SU and 5-3 ATS on the road and won both their playoff road games against Peyton Manning and the Colts and Tom Brady and the Patriots. New York has now won four of their last five road playoff games outright as underdogs the past two seasons.

New York coach Rex Ryan loves to attack with his linebackers and off the edge with defensive backs. The Jets allow just 91 rushing yards per game and 3.6 yards per rush to rank top-3 in the NFL. The Jets strength in special teams should also keep them in this contest and field position will be a real factor in allowing each team’s defense to shine in this online AFC odds contest.

My NFL Predictions: New York Jets (+3.5) -110 + Under 38.5 (-110)

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