PATRIOTS at 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 grind out games by controlling time of possession and eating up the clock. Not much of what the Aaron Rodgers-led Jets have done over the first two weeks suggests much explosiveness in their offense. For us, the play is still the under, especially since more Thursday night games fall that way. And that’s the same reason we like the Pats with the points. They’ll play to keep it close with a low-risk veteran QB in Jacoby Brissett (i.e. not Will Levis) and a defense that has allowed just 16.5 ppg. They were stingy last year under Bill Belichick and stingy still under former linebacker Jared Mayo. Even though they had six three-and-outs last week, they still came 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 spot for them. They’re playing their third game in 11 days in three separate time zones. The Patriots have covered six of the last seven matchups dating back to 2021 when Tom Brady had already left the building. The injury situation also favors the visitors. Three key Jet defenders have less time than normal to get ready. Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, who would have been trouble for New England’s sketch O-line, is lost with a torn Achilles, C.J. Mosley left last week’s game with a toe injury and CB D.J. Reed missed the game entirely with a bum knee. Those two are 50-50 to play.
Lastly, keep an eye on Breece Hall, who hit the injury tent late Sunday. Given the short week, Braelon Allen, who scored two of the Jets’ three TDs in Nashville, might see more of the ball. The Patriots are strong defending the run.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Patriots and the under