New England Patriots at New York Jets betting tips and NFL predictions: Patriots can make life tough for Rodgers

Where to watch New England Patriots at New York Jets

Sky Sports NFL & Main Event, 1.15am Thursday night

Best bet

New England Patriots +6.5
3pts 20-23 general

New England Patriots at New York Jets predictions

The New York Jets will be looking to put on a show in their first home game of the season as NFL Week Three kicks off on Thursday night, but their AFC East rivals New England are capable of playing the spoiler role again.

Both teams come in with 1-1 records and Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has safely negotiated his first two outings after missing almost all of last season due to injury. Being handed two road games to start the year was not ideal, but the Jets were able to avoid a 0-2 start after their defeat by the 49ers when they rallied to see off the Titans 24-17 on Sunday. 

It wasn’t a fantastic performance, though, as Tennessee outgained the Jets 300-265 in total yards but committed two costly turnovers. The Jets finally get to play at home, but the Patriots have been a bogey team for them, winning on their last eight visits to MetLife Stadium and taking 15 straight games in the series before the Jets won at Gillette Stadium in January.

Rodgers has been solid but not spectacular so far with 343 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception, but the Jets offence still needs work and the Patriots' defensive unit has started the season in impressive fashion.

Their defence paved a path to a huge upset victory over Cincinnati in Week One, and in Sunday's 23-20 overtime loss to the Seahawks, the Patriots held the visitors to just 106 yards and three points in the second half of regulation.

New England's offence lacks star quality but they are doing enough so far, with 355 rushing yards in the first two games, 201 of them from running back Rhamondre Stevenson. 

With points likely to be at a premium - the total points line is just 38.5 - the 6.5-point handicap start with the Patriots looks too big.

The lowdown

Venue MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Surface Artificial
Weather Cloudy with a chance of rain, 21C
Vegas line Jets -6.5
Points line 38.5

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