Patriots (0-2) at Jets (1-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
TV: CBS
Spread (BetMGM):
Patriots by 3
Patriots’ keys to victory: The Jets offensive line hasn’t gotten off to the best start, particularly on the outside. Patriots star edge rusher Matthew Judon will be primed to get after Zach Wilson in Week 3, especially after seeing what Micah Parsons did to that offensive line in Week 2. Similarly, on the other side, the Patriots need to keep allowing quarterback Mac Jones to work in the offense. He was sacked four times last week after getting sacked twice by the Eagles in Week 1. When given the chance to operate, he has done a nice job so far under offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who will need to get creative against the powerful Jets defense.
Jets’ keys to victory: Give Wilson enough time to get the ball to his receivers and let them take advantage of a banged-up Patriots secondary. And give LT Duane Brown help in protection. The Jets left him alone against Parsons. The Jets also have to get the run game going against another good defense. Breece Hall, Dalvin Cook and Michael Carter combined for 24 yards rushing against the Cowboys.
Matchup to watch: Patriots’ Judon vs. Jets’ Brown. As we alluded to, the Jets struggled to protect Wilson against the Cowboys. The Jets have to figure out a game plan for Judon or Wilson is going to feel just as much pressure this week as he did in Week 2.
Who wins? The Jets didn’t exactly inspire confidence in their first game without Aaron Rodgers, and now they face a team that has beaten them 14 straight times.
Patriots 21-17