James Robinson to Jets trade: SportsLine Projection Model still forecasts Michael Carter for bigger role Sunday vs. Patriots

When we touched Monday on the season-ending ACL tear of New York Jets running back Breece Hall, the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year betting favorite at Caesars Sportsbook, we told you that Michael Carter was going to assume the featured back role for surprising Gang Green unless the Jets traded for someone. We pinpointed the Rams' Cam Akers as a potential target. Shame on us for not also including the possibility of the Jaguars' James Robinson, who was acquired on Monday for a draft pick. Robinson has a sore knee but should debut Sunday vs. the Patriots, who are -1.5 at Caesars.

Carter and Robinson no doubt will be very popular pickups in Fantasy leagues this week, although it's not clear if it will be an equal timeshare. Carter opened the year as the Jets' starter but was overtaken by Hall.

Robinson opened as Jacksonville's main guy but had barely been playing of late behind former first-round pick Travis Etienne. Robinson played just 12 snaps in Sunday's loss to the Giants and didn't have a carry or catch. He was an undrafted free agent in 2020, setting the record for most rushing yards by a UDFA in NFL history. If there's one concern, it's that he has eight fumbles in 35 career games.

It's a trade that makes sense for both teams as the Jets only gave up a 2023 sixth-round pick that could become a fifth-rounder if Robinson rushes for 600 yards this season. He already has 340 yards. For his career, he is producing 79.7 yards from scrimmage per game to go with 0.63 touchdowns. The Jaguars were likely going to let Robinson walk as a restricted free agent this winter.

Just to get an idea how the carries might be split, the model has Carter carrying 12.2 times for 47 yards and 0.26 TDs on Sunday vs. New England (which was gouged on the ground Monday night by Chicago) along with 2.1 catches for 18 yards and 0.02 TDs. Robinson is forecast for 9.4 carries, 40 yards and 0.30 TDs and nothing in the passing game. He only has nine catches on the year. Ty Johnson also could factor in for some touches. The Jets have rushed the ball an average of 24 times per game over the last three weeks.

Looking for the best picks against the spread, sharp plays on the total and props you can take straight to the pay window? Join Jonathan Coachman on The Early Edge as he speaks with SportsLine's top handicappers to preview the day's biggest games. We promise to keep it short and sweet and to put some green in your pocket. The Early Edge is in your feed every single day by 11 a.m. ET. Subscribe right here on YouTube to watch daily, plus don't miss The Early Edge specials and live shows!