Can the Patriots keep it close on Thursday Night Football against the Jets?
The New England Patriots and New York Jets will kickoff the Week 3 slate on Thursday Night Football. It will be a very big AFC East matchup for the teams. For the Jets, it will be an opportunity to build on last week’s win against the Tennessee Titans and move above .500. Meanwhile, the Patriots will be looking to surprise and move to 2-1 on the season as well.
Through the first two weeks, the Jets offense hasn’t been as prolific as some expected it to be. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers still seems to be feeling his way into the offense. They scored just 19 points in Week 1 and were able to sneak out a win in Week 2 against the Titans. The Patriots are talented defensively and will provide another stiff challenge for Rodgers and the Jets offense.
Coming into the year, many expected the Patriots to be one of the worst teams in the NFL. However, through two weeks they have a surprising win against the Cincinnati Bengals and fell in overtime in Week 2 to the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett hasn’t been prolific, but he’s remained efficient and hasn’t turned the ball over. With a defense like the Patriots have, that’s all they need from the quarterback position.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Jets are 6.5 point favorites at home to the Patriots. Three of the last four meetings between these two teams have been by seven points or less. Last year’s game in New York resulted in a 15-10 Patriots win. While the Jets should end up with the win this time around, the Patriots should make this very close. A 6.5 point line seems to be very large when it should be closer to 4.5. I see the Jets winning this game by three in a close 20-17 defensive battle.
The Pick: Patriots (+6.5)
Season Record: 4-2
