The Jets will welcome the Buccaneers to MetLife Stadium on Friday night for their first preseason game of the 2026 season.
With a new quarterback in tow, plenty of starting spots still to be determined, and schemes to implement, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed on Friday that “everybody’s playing,” including Geno Smith.
It wasn’t pretty for the veteran QB during the Jets’ joint practice with the Buccaneers on Tuesday, during which he threw three interceptions, including a pick-six, but I’m hoping he got all the bad plays out of his system with this bet.
The Buccaneers don’t appear to be taking this game anywhere near as seriously as the Jets.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield isn’t expected to play, and his backup, Jake Browning, went down with a strained back during the joint practice on Tuesday, leaving his status in question as well.
That’s a lot of Connor Bazelak and rookie Jalon Daniels if Browning can’t go.
Tampa Bay’s official website stated that the game “will likely be contested by younger players and those battling for the last spots on the regular season roster,” giving the Jets a major talent advantage for at least part of the game.
The Jets should also have the more motivated roster throughout the night.
With Glenn still evaluating several position battles, New York’s backups have plenty to prove, while Tampa Bay appears more interested in evaluating depth than winning a meaningless August game.
Betting on the NFL?
As shaky as this roster looks, the Jets should be able to take care of the Bucs’ B and C teams.
It could be another ugly season for Gang Green if not.
The play: Jets to cover -5.5 (-110, FanDuel Sportsbook)
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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
