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Jets at Patriots: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Russell S. Baxter

uDec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots won 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
uDec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots won 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots have wrapped up the AFC East but have bigger fish to fry. Are they primed for a big effort against the New York Jets?

The New England Patriots set a new NFL record last week by winning their eighth consecutive AFC East title. That adds up to eight consecutive playoff appearance, one short of tying another league mark. The New York Jets are nothing short of a disaster this season.

Struggling on both sides of the football, Todd Bowles’ club has won only four games this season and has looked bad in its 10 losses. Really bad. See last week’s Saturday night loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Bill Belichick’s team has its eyes set on home field advantage in the AFC playoffs. Will they get the job done against the upset-minded Jets?

Odds

Line: Patriots (-16.5)

Over/Under: 43.5

You have to marvel at what Brady is doing this season after missing the first four games of the year due to that controversial suspension. He’s not only averaging 306.4 passing yards per game in his 10 outings this year, he has 22 touchdown passes compared to only two interceptions. Brady is spreading the wealth, throwing 11 TD passes to wide receivers, seven to tight ends and four to running backs.

The 17-year pro’s numbers in this series are also extremely hard to ignore. Including a pair of playoff meetings, he owns a 23-7 record as a starter. It’s adds up to 7,411 yards through the air and 45 touchdowns compared to only 14 interceptions in 31 total contests.

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A few weeks ago, the Jets played Belichick’s team tough. But you have to be very disappointed with the performance of the Green and White last Saturday night in the 34-13 loss to the Dolphins. And if New York’s defense comes up with a similar effort in Foxborough against the AFC East champions, it’s going to be a longer afternoon than usual for Bowles and company. You get the feeling that Brady and the Patriots are getting ready to make a statement here.

Pick: Patriots 40, Jets 10

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