Jets vs. Patriots: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

After getting upset by Richard Sherman and the Seattle Seahawks last week ("U Mad Bro?"), the New England Patriots host the rival New York Jets on Sunday in Foxboro.

The Jets are coming off of a 35-9 spanking of the Indianapolis Colts that saw running back Shonn Greene go off. 

The last time these two teams met at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots won, 30-21.

Here's a look at the AFC East clash on Sunday.

 

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA

When: Sunday, Oct. 21 at 4:25 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Listen: Jets, Patriots

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket 

 

Spread: Patriots -11 (via Bovada)

I have the Patriots winning by 10 in this game (see prediction below), so I suppose I wouldn't take the spread. It's a close call, though, and I could see New England winning by more than 10 points in the same breath.

 

Over/Under: 47.5 (via Bovada)

I have the Patriots and Jets combining for 44 points on Sunday, so I would take the "Under." It really depends on whether you think New England's offense will explode against New York or simply be solid.

 

Injury Report (via USA Today)

Jets

WR Stephen Hill, Hamstring, Probable

C Nick Mangold, Ankle, Probable

TE Dustin Keller, Hamstring, Probable

S LaRon Landry, Heel, Questionable

LB Bryan Thomas, Hamstring, Questionable

WR Clyde Gate, Shoulder, Questionable

DT Sione Po'uha, Back, Questionable

RB Joe McKnight, Ankle, Doubtful

RB Bilal Powell, Shoulder, Doubtful

S Eric Smith, Knee, Doubtful

DT Kenrick Ellis, Knee, OUT until at least late November 

 

Patriots

G Logan Mankins, Calf, Probable

TE Rob Gronkowski, Hip, Probable

TE Aaron Hernandez, Ankle, Probable

WR Brandon Lloyd- Hip, Probable

S Patrick Chung, Quadricep, Questionable

S Steve Gregory, Hip, Questionable

LB Dont'a Hightower, Hamstring, Questionable

WR Julian Edelman, Hand, Questionable

RB Brandon Bolden, Knee, Doubtful

LB Tracy White, Foot, Doubtful

 

Fantasy Big Plays

Jets: Shonn Greene, RB

I've never been the biggest fan of Shonn Greene, and he faces a Patriots defense allowing just 3.4 yards per carry this season (third in the NFL), but there's no doubt that he was impressive last week, regardless of the fact that the Indianapolis Colts defense has been poor against the run this season.

Green exploded for 161 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the Colts. According to Pro Football Focus, he racked up 82 yards after contact and forced eight missed tackles in the game.

Plus, who else are you going to start on the Jets?

 

Patriots: Tom Brady, QB

I don't care if Tom Brady had a relatively poor game against the Seattle Seahawks last week. He has regularly bounced back from a poor performance with a big game throughout his career.

Case in point: After struggling in his first game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals, Brady passed for 335 yards and a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Jets may have a strong pass defense, but Brady will find a way to get it done at home in front of his adoring fans...and his adoring fantasy owners.

 

Key to Jets Victory: Jets Passing Game vs. Patriots Pass Defense

While the Patriots' run defense has been much better this season, the pass defense still needs a little work.

New England is allowing 8.1 yards per pass attempt this season (27th in the NFL) and ceding 15 passing touchdowns (tied for most in the league). That includes giving up 293 passing yards and three touchdowns to Seahawks rookie Russell Wilson last week.

Of course, the Jets passing attack hasn't exactly been scaring anyone lately, either. Mark Sanchez is averaging just 6.36 yards per attempt this season (31st out of 33 qualifying quarterbacks).

 

Key to Patriots Victory: Get Offense Back in Sync

Not a whole lot worked for the Patriots against the underrated Seahawks defense last week, whether it was through the air or on the ground.

I don't expect the Jets to score a lot against the Patriots, but if Brady and Co. don't come ready to play, it won't matter.

Another thing of note: The Jets are allowing 4.7 yards per carry this season (26th in the NFL), so running back Stevan Ridley could do some damage.

 

Prediction: Patriots 27, Jets 17

I don't have confidence in the Jets' passing game, even against the Patriots' mediocre pass defense, and New England has been much better against the run this season.

I expect Tom Brady to have a solid game and Stevan Ridley to get back on track after a rough outing against the Seahawks.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1377867-jets-vs-patriots-spread-info-line-and-predictions

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