A **rivalry** that has been **extremely one-sided** over the past decade is about to reignite with new intrigue as the **New England Patriots** take on the **New York Jets** to kick off Week 3 on Thursday Night Football.
With both teams standing at **1-1**, this becomes a **critical early-season matchup** in the **AFC East**. Both the Jets and Patriots are keen on positioning themselves as legitimate threats to the division-leading **Buffalo Bills**.
PROBABILITY AND ACTION
The Jets enter as the **consensus** 6.0-point favorite. This includes **DraftKings**, where they’ve garnered the backing of **58% of the spread line money**. On the other side, the Patriots have attracted **55% of the total bets**.
The **-278 New York moneyline** has proven even more popular, drawing **67% of the action** and **74% of the money**. At **BetRivers**, the Jets have been supported by **58% of the spread line money** and tickets. Their -285 moneyline received a staggering **87% of the money** and **81% of bets**.
It’s noteworthy that the Jets have **failed to cover the spread** in their last **six** Thursday games, an unfortunate stat which didn’t include a healthy Aaron Rodgers for the full duration of any of those outings.
ACCESSORY SELECTIONS
— **Breece Hall Anytime TD** (-157 at BetRivers): This bet has captivated bettors, attracting **3.9%** of all player bets and **2.2%** of the money. Hall has surpassed **114 total yards** in four out of the Jets’ last five games and has scored in each of the first two games this season.
KEY STATISTICS
Jets wide receiver **Garrett Wilson** has recorded at least **seven receptions** in six of the Jets’ last seven home games, while Patriots running back **Rhamondre Stevenson** has rushed for at least **81 yards** in five of his last six games overall.
HISTORY OF THE SERIES
The Patriots have been dominant, winning **15 of their last 16 games** against the Jets.
THE NEWS
This will be the Jets’ **first home game** since Aaron Rodgers suffered a **season-ending Achilles injury** just four plays into the 2023 season opener against Buffalo. Despite the injury, he was credited with the win against the Bills. Last Sunday, Rodgers led the Jets to a 24-17 triumph over the Tennessee Titans, completing **18 of 30 passes for 176 yards** and two touchdowns.
The Jets face a formidable challenge in the **New England defense**, which has allowed the **fifth-fewest points per game** (16.5) through the first two weeks. New England, after a 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, faced a heartbreaker in a 23-20 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday.
Rhamondre Stevenson’s 1-yard touchdown gave the Patriots a late lead before Seattle tied it and eventually won with a 31-yard Jason Myers field goal in overtime. This marked the first loss for rookie Patriots coach **Jerod Mayo**, who is determined to capitalize on a short week.
“The first thing is to **recover**. That’s crucial,” Mayo emphasized. “We are bringing guys in every day to ensure they are ready. Rest is essential. Execution, especially when sore and tired, is what truly matters.”
INJURY REPORT
Multiple media outlets reported that Patriots linebacker **Ja’Whaun Bentley** suffered a **season-ending pectoral injury** against the Seahawks. Linebacker **Oshane Ximines** (knee) was also placed on injured reserve.
New England will also miss guard **Sidy Sow** (ankle) and offensive tackle **Vederian Lowe** (knee). Center **David Andrews** (hip), offensive lineman **Mike Onwenu** (wrist), and safety **Jabrill Peppers** (shoulder) are doubtful.
The Jets listed linebacker **Jermaine Johnson II** as questionable with a torn right Achilles and linebacker **C.J. Mosley** (big toe) as also questionable.
THEY SAID IT
“I hope it’s a **success**. This is our first home game and our fans are some of the most **passionate** in the game. Playing under the lights, there’s nothing like it,” said Jets coach **Robert Saleh**.
FORECAST
The Patriots’ stout defense has been key to their surprising start, which could have easily been a **2-0 record** if not for injuries. Yet, the Jets should capitalize on their defensive prowess to control field position and leverage shorter fields. This will allow their offense, currently averaging just **265.5 yards** per game, to find its rhythm. Expect the Jets to come out on top. — **Jets 23, Patriots 13**
