The New England Patriots and New York Jets are coming off their bye week for a crucial divisional game Sunday afternoon in Foxboro. The Jets enter at 6-3 in second place, while New England is at 5-4, currently in last place. However, still in playoff position in the AFC. Here is what you can expect from this game, continue reading for the full Jets at Patriots preview.
Jets In Week 9
The Jets came into their week nine matchup against the Bills as big underdogs. However, their defense proved that it’s one of the best, shutting the potent Bills offense out in the second half. The result was gang green squeaking by with a 20-17 shocking victory at home.
This win was a massive boost for the Jets, who are now firmly in contention to win the division. It was also a big blow to the Bills, who had been the clear frontrunners in the AFC East.
Patriots In Week 9
The New England Patriots had a dominating 26-3 win against the Indianapolis Colts in week nine. In fact, it was so dominating that head coach Frank Reich was let go the following morning.
The Colts second-year quarterback Sam Ehlinger suffered the same fate as Zach Wilson the game before. Head Coach Bill Belichick was able to confuse the young signal caller all afternoon.
On The Call
The game on Sunday will be televised nationally on CBS, with kickoff set for 1:00 pm ET. Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, and sideline reporter Melanie Collins will be on the call. You can listen to the game locally on 98.5, The Sports Hub in Boston.
Jets at Patriots Preview: Game Notes
- The last time the Patriots lost a home game to the Jets was all the way back in 2015.
- New England is 18-4 all-time against the Jets at Gillette Stadium.
- A Jets win on Sunday would put them in first place, while a loss sends them down to last (depending on the outcome of the Bills game). It shows you how close this division is right now.
- The key for both quarterbacks on Sunday is not to turn the ball over. The game plan will include a lot of running, screens, and short passes down the field.
- Let’s see how Zach Wilson responds after a historically bad performance in week 9 where Belichick had him confused all game.
- This Jet’s defense is one of the best in the league. It’s young, fast, and has something to prove.
- Sauce Gardner is scary good. He’s arguably the best cover corner in all of football in just his rookie season.
- Nick Folk has made 52 straight field goals inside 40-yards. He’s been a massive bright spot-on offense for the Pats.
- Rhamondre Stevenson has averaged six yards per carry in his two starts this season. Expect another healthy workload against the Jets.
- The New England pass rush has 32 sacks on the season – good for second most in the NFL. Side note: Dallas currently leads with 35.
- Rookie Marcus Jones has been impressive on Special Teams this season; he leads the NFL with a punt return average of 24.3 yards.
- Matthew Judon has been the defensive player of the year through the first half of the season. He will enter Sunday with a league-leading 11.5 sacks.
- Judon has been the best pass rusher the Patriots have had since Chandler Jones in 2014.
Jets at Patriots Preview: Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Start’ Em:
Patriots’ Defense: The Patriots had Zach Wilson seeing ghosts when they faced off two weeks ago. Expect a similar game plan from New England. They will take away the running game and force Zach Wilson to throw the ball. Matthew Judon will be looking to add to his league-leading 11.5 sacks.
Rhamondre Stevenson: Even against a top defense like the Jets, Stevenson has become a must-start. He undoubtedly will be heavily involved in the Patriots offense and receive a high volume of touches. Also, expect catches out of the backfield, adding to his PPR value.
Sit ‘Em:
Quarterbacks: Don’t expect much from either of the second-year quarterbacks on Sunday. Their main goal will be avoiding turnovers and giving the opponent a short field when points will be at a premium.
James Robinson: Bill Belichick will stack the box and force Zach Wilson to throw the ball, exactly what they did two weeks ago. Robinson should receive more of a workload coming off the bye week and being more familiar with the playbook. However, don’t expect any big numbers against the stout Patriots front.
Jets at Patriots Preview: Best Odds and Picks
Jets at Patriots Preview Odds Powered by DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Point Spread: Patriots -3.5 (-105)
- Total Points Over/Under: 38 Points (-115)
- Money Line Odds: Jets (+145) / Patriots (-170)
Thomas’ Final Thoughts and Prediction
This will be a battle between the two defenses, in an overall low scoring affair. The expectations from the quarterbacks are low but if either one plays above average, it will change the entire complexion of the game.
From a betting perspective, there isn’t much value in taking the Pats moneyline unless you parlay it with another favorite. Laying the points is the best play in this game for the value. Not to mention, Belichik is notorious for having his team ready coming off a bye.
Score Prediction: Patriots 17-10