The oddsmakers weren't impressed by the New York Jets' decision to start quarterback Tim Boyle in the NFL Black Friday Game on November 24.
Prior to head coach Robert Saleh's Monday afternoon announcement, the betting line opened with the Jets (4-6) sitting as 7.5-point home underdogs to the first-place Miami Dolphins (7-3). Following confirmation of the quarterback switch from Zach Wilson to Boyle, SI Sportsbook pushed the point spread into double digits.
With the oddsmakers widening the line by a full field goal, the Dolphins now stand as 10.5-point road favorites over the slumping Jets, who have lost three games in a row.
"Just give him [Boyle] an opportunity. He is a different style of quarterback, so really it was just to give him an opportunity to see if we can do something with the offense," said Saleh on the rationale behind the change.
The Jets' offense was certainly in need of a spark, but it remains to be seen if Boyle is capable of providing it. New York averages only 15.0 points per contest, the third-worst output in the NFL. Wilson has only two touchdown passes over his six most-recent games. He has connected on six scoring strikes this season but has been intercepted seven times in 10 games.
Boyle replaced Wilson late in the third quarter of the Week 11 loss to the Bills, going 7-of-14 passing for 33 yards and one interception. He entered with Gang Green facing a 29-6 deficit.
After surrendering a season-high 32 points in the road loss to Buffalo, the Jets' vaunted defense must contend with the NFL's top-ranked offense. The visiting Dolphins average league highs in yards per game (434.0), points per game (30.5) and yards per play (6.99). Miami survived a 20-13 decision at home against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11.
The anticipated point total (over/under) opened 40.5, but SI Sportsbook has since dropped it down to 39.5. Money line bettors must now lay -500 to back the Dolphins while the Jets offer a +380 potential payout.
The Jets and the Dolphins will kick off at 3:00 pm ET on November 24 in a Prime Video exclusive.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-522-4700.
READ
More must-reads: