New York Jets at New England Patriots Pick – Odds and ATS Predictions

The New York Jets look to close out the season against their divisional rival New England Patriots. The Patriots have already clinched the division with a 10-5 record, while the Jets sit at 4-11 and look to improve their roster this offseason. These two teams faced off back in Week 12 when the Patriots came out on top 27-13.

Patriots Seeking Home Field and First Round Bye

New England was able to defeat Buffalo 24-12 in Week 16, and with the help of Nick Foles and the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the Houston Texans, it pushes New England into the 2 seed for the playoffs. We saw the Patriots run the ball very well against the Bills, outrushing them 273 to 72. Rookie Sony Michel led the way rushing 18 times for 116 yards and a touchdown. Outside of the run game, the rest of the offense struggled, as Tom Brady finished with just 126 yards, 1 TD and 2 INTs. Brady’s one touchdown pass went to Julian Edelman, who finished with 6 catches, 70 yards, and the score. Chris Hogan failed to record a catch, despite Josh Gordon no longer playing with the team, but perhaps the biggest shock is Rob Gronkowski also finishing this game without a catch.

Gronkowski still possesses the skill set to be one of the best tight ends in the league but has taken a pretty big step back this season. The tight end is third on the team in receptions (45), fourth on the team in receiving yards (658), and has just as many TD catches as Chris Hogan and Cordarrelle Patterson (3). This has felt like a much different Patriots team during the regular season, but when you have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, this team always has a shot at making the Super Bowl.

Jets a Mess

The Jets lost in a shootout to the Packers in Week 16, 44-38. Offensively it was an excellent outing for the Jets, as rookie QB Sam Darnold finished with 341 yards, 3 TDs, and no turnovers. Robby Anderson and rookie TE Chris Herndon led the team in receiving combining for 15 catches, 222 yards, and 2 TD’s, Elijah McGuire recorded 85 total yards on 17 touches with 2 TDs.

Defense is where this team struggled, allowing 540 yards to the Packers offense with none other than Aaron Rodgers leading the way. Many people thought Rodgers would sit out with the Packers being eliminated from playoff contention, but instead exploited the Jets secondary for 442 passing yards and 4 total TD’s. The Jets will now face another future Hall of Fame quarterback for a second straight week, as Brady went for 282 yards and 2 TD’s back when these two teams faced off in Week 12.