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Patriots at Jets: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Russell S. Baxter

November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) congratulates running back James White (28) scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi
November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) congratulates running back James White (28) scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi /
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It’s a clash of AFC East rivals as the first-place New England Patriots battle the cellar-dwelling New York Jets. Is there an upset in the works?

Remember when the New York Jets, under the command of Rex Ryan, stunned the New England Patriots at Foxborough in the 2010 AFC Divisional Playoffs? Roughly a month after losing a Monday night game on the Pats’ home turf, 45-3, the Jets pulled off the surprise. It seems that Bill Belichick hasn’t forgotten that stinging defeat. Since 2011, New England owns an 8-2 record in this series. Both of the Jets’ victories have come at MetLife Stadium and each time, the club needed overtime to pull off the win.

Of course, these are two teams having vastly different seasons in 2016. The Patriots are co-owners of the best record in the AFC with an 8-2 mark. The Green and White is a disappointing 3-7, losers of their last two games. Todd Bowles’ trouble squad is 1-3 at home this season. A year ago during the club’s 10-6 finish, the Jets owned a 6-2 mark in their own building.

Will the New York defense make life uncomfortable to veteran quarterback Tom Brady? In six games since returning from a league suspension, he’s hitting on 70.4 percent of his passes for 1,915 yards. It’s been good for 16 touchdowns opposed to one interception. Jets’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been polar opposite this year. He has 13 picks this season while throwing for only eight scores.

Odds

Line: Patriots (-9)

Over/Under: 47

While the Patriots defense hasn’t exactly been fearsome (17th in the NFL), they may be able to take advantage of a Jets’ team that has 20 turnovers in 10 games. A year ago during a 10-6 campaign, the Green and White gave up the football only 24 times in 16 contests.

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The Jets have some extra time to prepare for this contest. Add in the fact that the Patriots have dropped two of their last three road tilts in this series and a surprise could be in the cards. But New York’s pass defense is disturbingly shaky this season and has given up far too many big plays. You will get a big effort from Todd Bowles’ team but look for Brady and company to roll to another win.

Pick: Patriots 28, Jets 20

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