Patriots vs. Jets: Preview, score prediction for Week 6
By Nick Sparrow
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
Week 6 features an AFC East matchup between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets. Both the Patriots and Jets enter Week 6 at 3-2 and tied for division lead with the Buffalo Bills.
With Buffalo on a bye in Week 6, the winner of this game will take sole lead in the AFC East. The Jets are better than the team many expected, already matching their expected win total for the season. The Patriots, despite continuing defensive problems, are coming off of an important win on the road over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week.
These two teams have a storied history, one filled with plenty of distaste for the other. So, who will prevail in such a crucial divisional clash?
Keys to Victory
The Patriots could not be further apart on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. New England enters Week 6 with the 32nd ranked defense and the top-ranked offense. While the Jets have been better than many expected, they still have the 26th ranked offense. The Patriots struggle most to defend deep passes, which is where the Jets offense has been the worst.
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If New England’s defense is capable of stopping any team it should be this Jets offense. Bill Belichick has had ten days to prepare this defense for Sunday. This team needs to prove that the defense can be just good enough for Tom Brady to not have to win every single game in the fourth quarter.
The Jets will need to do the impossible: stop Brady. The good news for New York is that they are facing Brady who remains banged up after getting sacked three times last week. Brady enters this game with an injury in his non-throwing shoulder.
Between a hobbled Brady and a Jets passing defense that ranks 12th in the league only allowing 211.6 yards per game. It is impossible to ever count Brady out, but if there ever a chance for the Jets to attack Brady and get the upset it could be this week.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: New England -9
Moneyline: New England -425, New York +375
Over/Under: 47.5
Odds via Sportsbook Review
Next: NFL 2017: Picks against the spread for Week 6
Prediction
Even with an injured Brady, the Patriots offense seems unstoppable. The Patriots offensive line will need to protect Brady to prevent further injury that could seriously derail their season. Still, the Patriots will have Rob Gronkowski and enough offensive weapons that they should be able to cruise to an easy victory.
Final Score: New England Patriots: 34, New York Jets: 21