NFL 2024/25: Jets – Patriots
NFL Week 2 is barely over and the official schedule heralds the start of Week 3 with the Thursday Night Game, which should be dominated by hard-as-nails defensive work.
An under-38.5-point betting tip is therefore almost mandatory as part of my Jets Patriots prediction. But if anyone is going to come out on top, it’s going to be the Meadowland Green Gang, who are slightly better at every position.
You who followed the Jets over the weekend know full well that they celebrated an unsightly, yet important 24-17 win over the Titans.
It wasn’t a stellar performance, but what matters is that their already ultra-reliable defense in the preseason once again secured the win, while the offense continues to fall short of their expectations.
Penalties were a problem for the NYG early on, with five in the first 17 minutes alone. Particularly bitter was a questionable “roughing the passer” decision against Jermaine Johnson II, which cost the Jets a stop and gave the Titans a touchdown as a result.
The offensive coordinator will have to have a serious word with some of his players in the coming days.
The Jets, however, showed their will and kept at it. They pressured Will Levis the entire game, sacking him four times and pressuring him on an incredible 60% of his dropbacks.
The exact same treatment could be in store on Friday for inexperienced Pats QB Jacoby Brissett, who just doesn’t seem to have much confidence in his throwing arm.
Despite the loss of linebacker C.J. Mosley and a few missed sacks towards the end, the Jets defense held strong against the Titans until the end.
A game-deciding blocked punt by Irvin Charles in the third quarter also gave them a much-needed sense of achievement at this point. A prime example of how special teams can turn a game around.
Offensively, the Jets didn’t really convince me, but Breece Hall and Braelon Allen at least showed that they can carry the offense. Allen in particular surprised by scoring two six-pointers, including the decisive rushing touchdown to win the game.
But now let’s take a closer look at the New Yorkers’ upcoming opponent. After all, the oddsmakers without a tax also have to sound out the Patriots’ chances of success on Friday in the “Big Apple”. What does their Week 2 performance tell us so far?
It probably hasn’t escaped your attention that the Patriots’ running game was solid again, but just wasn’t enough in the end.
They dominated on the ground for the second straight game, thanks in large part to Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, who had his best game since 2021. Although New England only managed 57 rushing yards in the first half, they added another 126 yards after the break.
Stevenson added 36 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter to give them a brief lead, while Gibson shone with an impressive 45-yard run that saw him break several tackles.
Despite that power on the ground, it ultimately failed due to a lack of support from the passing game.
Jacoby Brissett only managed 149 passing yards, which was simply not enough to hold up against a strong defense.
As strong as the run was, without the necessary balance on offense it will be hard to win games. Stevenson finished the game with 81 yards, Gibson totaled 96 – but the offense remained one-dimensional.
Defensively, the Patriots secondary had a tough job against Seaatle, especially Christian Gonzalez, who dueled with DK Metcalf for most of the game. Metcalf was thrown at Gonzalez seven times and only totaled three catches for 24 yards.
Metcalf was much more successful against other Pats defenders, however, collecting his 105 yards and a touchdown catch there.
Personally, I would use a verified betting app on Friday to pick either a Jets win or a sub-38.5 pick? But why not both together as a combo pick?
The Patriots have been perfectly prepared by their coaching staff for the first two games of the season. But they lack the individual quality on both sides of the ball to make the difference. While the rushing game remains strong, it remains one-dimensional without throws.
The Jets are still struggling offensively as well, but with an Aaron Rodgers in the pocket, they simply have a bit more to play for on Friday.
In addition, the “Green Gang’s” strongest part of the team is and remains their defense, which should have an easier time with the opposing offense than the other way around!
Conclusion: I expect a real defensive battle, but the Jets will come out on top in the end.
They simply have more individual quality, even if the offense hasn’t worked as well as they would have liked.
But after 20 years of football, we know that Aaron Rodgers can throw. His counterpart on the Pats, on the other hand, is still struggling to use his throwing arm – and that’s exactly what he can’t afford to do against these Jets.
My Jets Patriots tip: Victory for the NYJ, but I’m primarily relying on Under 38.5 points.
