Patriots vs. Jets
8:15 p.m., Jets by 6 ½, 39
HANK’S HONEYS: It’s a low total, but both teams can play defense while the Patriots like to impose themselves by controlling the time of possession and eating up the clock. Nothing the Aaron Rodgers-led Jets have done in the first two weeks suggests much explosiveness in their offense. To us, the game is still the under, especially as more Thursday night games play out that way. And it’s the same reason we like the Pats with the points. They’ll play to stay tight with a low-risk veteran QB in Jacoby Brissett (i.e., no Will Levis) and a defense that’s allowed just 16.5 points per game. They were stingy last year under Bill Belichick and still are under veteran linebacker Jared Mayo. Even though they had six three-and-outs last week, they still got within three points of Seattle for the ATS win.
The Jets get to celebrate their home opener in prime time, but it’s a tough stretch for them. They’re playing their third game in 11 days in three different time zones. The Patriots have covered six of the last seven since 2021, when Tom Brady had already left the building. The injury situation also favors the visitors. Three key Jets defenders have less time than usual to prepare. Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, who would have been a problem for New England’s offensive line, is out with a torn Achilles tendon, CJ Mosley left last week’s game with a toe injury and CB DJ Reed missed the game entirely with a sore knee. Those two are 50-50 to play.
Finally, keep an eye on Breece Hall, who was hit by the injured reserve on Sunday night. Given the short week, Braelon Allen, who scored two of the Jets’ three TDs in Nashville, could see more of the ball. The Patriots are strong on run defense.
IF I WERE A GAMBLER: Patriots and the less
