In an exciting repeat of AFC East competition, Thursday Night Football will feature the New England Patriots (1-1; 1-0-1 ATS) squaring off against the New York Jets (1-1; 1-1-0 ATS) at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots have a strong history in this venue, boasting an impressive eight-game winning streak. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. EST, as they seek to extend that streak to nine. Will the Jets manage to hold their ground at home?
New England’s Resilient Defense
Despite a narrow loss in their home opener, the Patriots have displayed competitive spirit in the early weeks of the season. Under the guidance of new head coach Jerod Mayo, their defense has been formidable. They have permitted only 33 points, ranking fifth-best in the league. Opposing teams are averaging just 3.3 yards per carry (3rd) and 116 rushing yards (2nd) against them. Although New England has given up 491 passing yards (25th), they maintain a respectable average of 6.7 yards per attempt (15th). The defense has also recorded six sacks and two turnovers. Their initial victory came on the road, and they hope to replicate that success.
Offensively, the Patriots lean heavily on their rushing game, particularly through running back Rhamondre Stevenson. New England has accumulated 600 total yards (20th) and 36 points (20th) this season. Stevenson is responsible for a significant portion, contributing 12 points and 216 yards. The team averages 4.7 yards per carry, having attempted the third-most rushes. However, passing remains a concern, as quarterback Jacoby Brissett has completed just 58.8% of his passes for 270 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Hunter Henry is the sole player with over five catches and 40 receiving yards, primarily achieving this in the Week 2 loss with eight receptions for 109 yards. The Patriots cannot afford to fall behind, and their current turnover-free status, alongside only four sacks allowed, provides a positive outlook. Will their offense generate enough points to secure a division win?
Key Injuries – Entire Starting Offensive Line (questionable); Ja’Whaun Bentley (doubtful); Anfernee Jennings (questionable); Jabrill Peppers (questionable); Marcus Jones (questionable)
New York Aiming for Home Advantage
A dramatic late-game touchdown by rookie Braelon Allen propelled the Jets to their first victory of the season against Tennessee, winning 24-17. Now, they return to MetLife Stadium, eager to utilize the home crowd to their advantage. The Jets are focused on improving their defense after allowing a combined 310 rushing yards across two games (24th) and 4.7 yards per carry (20th), which has contributed to their 49 points allowed (25th). While their pass defense showed improvement last week, they still allow 7.4 yards per attempt. Their defense’s silver lining is a strong pass rush, boasting seven sacks in two games and their first two takeaways last Sunday. Strengthening their run defense will be vital on Thursday to support their pass rush.
Offensively, New York has managed to score 43 points (14th) despite facing challenges. Aaron Rodgers is back to full health, representing an improvement over last season, yet the team ranks 27th in total yards and 20th in yards per play. Their running back Breece Hall has contributed only 169 rushing yards (26th) on 3.9 yards per carry (21st). The Jets are averaging just 6.4 yards per pass attempt, but there is a bright spot: they did not turn the ball over against the Titans. Rodgers has been sacked only three times, which is crucial for his durability moving forward. However, the current evidence suggests that New York’s offense may continue to struggle.
Key Injuries – C.J. Mosley (questionable); D.J. Reed (questionable); Michael Carter II (questionable); Jermaine Johnson (out); Haason Reddick (not with the team)
Strategic Bets for Patriots vs. Jets Showdown
Provided New England’s offensive linemen are available, this matchup promises to be closely contested. The Jets’ previous opponents have rushed for over 125 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry against them. If New York cannot bolster their run defense, the Patriots are likely to exploit this weakness and run the ball repeatedly. Two games have indicated they may struggle to stop it.
