The AFC East remains front and centre in NFL Prime Time. After the Bills hammered the Dolphins last week on Thursday Night Football, this week the other two AFC East teams go head-to-head, as the surprising Patriots head to MetLife Stadium to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Jets. This should be a cracking defensive battle, with points for both teams at a premium, and we have you covered with our full betting preview!
NFL Week 3 Preview & Betting Tips
New York Jets vs New England Patriots
MetLife Stadium, Friday 20th September, 10:15am (AEST)
Last Week
The Jets managed their first win with Aaron Rodgers under centre in week 2, battling by the Titans 24-17 on the road. Rodgers took a back seat to the run game, only managing to throw for 176 yards, however he took care of the ball and threw for two touchdowns. Breece Hall again showed he is the focal point of the offense, running for 62 yards, whilst being targeted 8 times through the air (most of any Jet), hauling in 6 passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. Whilst it wasn’t perfect, the Jets will be happy to get the monkey off the back.
As for the Patriots, they came into week 2 after a massive upset win over the Bengals in week 1 and continued their impressive form throughout their week 2 overtime loss to the Seahawks. Despite going down, the team many had pegged as a bottom three team this season showed they will be competitive against all comers, with the running game in particular impressing. Antonio Gibson had a 45-yard splash play, eventually rushing for 96 yards on 11 carries, whilst bell cow Rhamondre Stevenson again led the team well, rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. This week will prove a huge test to this offense; however, I believe they can play well again.
Injury Report
New York Jets
Jermaine Johnson II (OLB) – OUT
Zaire Barnes (LB) – OUT
Wes Schweitzer (OG) – OUT
Leki Fotu (DT) – OUT
Kenny Yeboah (TE) – OUT
Malik Taylor (WR) – OUT
D.J. Reed / Michael Carter II (CB) – Questionable
C.J. Mosley (ILB) – Questionable
New England Patriots
Kendrick Bourne / JaQuae Jackson (WR) – OUT
Jake Andrews (C) – OUT
Marte Mapu (SAF) – OUT
Christian Barmore / Armon Watts (DT) – OUT
Sione Takitaki (LB) – OUT
Cole Strange (OG) – OUT
Ja’Whaun Bentley (MLB) – Doubtful
Match Preview
These AFC East rivals met twice last year, with the results split one-apiece. In week 3 last season, the Patriots travelled to MetLife as 2.5-point road favourites, running out 15-10 winners. The Jets got nowhere on offense, managing a poultry 171 total net yards. They managed to get revenge in week 18, as they travelled to Foxborough as 2-point road dogs, running out 17-3 winners. It was a poor game from both offenses, with the lone exception being Breece Hall, who ran for 178 yards and a touchdown. Naturally, both games went well under the total.
Fast forward to this game, and the Jets opened 7-point home favourites on the look ahead line, but after another strong showing by the Patriots in week 2, support has come in for the road team, re-opening as 6.5-point dogs, and being bet down to 6-point dogs. I’d be surprised if it moved any lower, and I make the Jets 6.5-point favourites, so see some slight value at 6, but won’t bet big unless it gets down to 5.5.
As for the total, it was 39.5 on the look ahead, before re-opening 38.5. The total still sits at 38.5, which seems to be dropping further. I’d be surprised if it dropped to 36.5, but who knows given the recent games between these teams. I am scared off the under, given both defences have been ravaged with injuries, and despite both offenses far from elite, I just can’t bet an under here.
So, we must go the side, and I’ll take the Jets to cover the 6 here. Low staking, but the Jets fans should be loud here, with Aaron Rodgers making his return to MetLife Stadium, with his only other home start for the Jets being week 1 last season, where the crowd was mental. Rodgers in prime time against a rookie head coach and a career backup quarterback, let’s go!
Jets -6
$1.91 (1.5 Units)
