Patriots vs. Jets: A Thursday Night Showdown
As the NFL gears up for Week 3, fans are treated to a classic AFC East rivalry as the New England Patriots face off against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football, September 19, 2024. This matchup marks the Jets’ home opener for the season, and while it may not feature the star-studded lineups of years past, it promises to deliver an intriguing contest.
The Quarterback Situation
At the helm for the Patriots is Jacoby Brissett, who has had a rocky start to the season. In his first two games, Brissett has completed 15 or fewer passes, raising questions about his ability to lead the offense effectively. The Patriots have struggled to establish a consistent passing game, and with Brissett’s limited attempts, it’s clear that New England is leaning heavily on their ground game.
On the other side, Aaron Rodgers leads the Jets. Despite being a future Hall of Famer, Rodgers has faced challenges in adapting to the Jets’ system. His passing yard prop is set at 212.5 yards, significantly higher than Brissett’s 165.5 yards. This disparity highlights the expectations placed on Rodgers to carry the Jets’ offense, especially with playmakers like Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson at his disposal.
Player Prop Odds and Best Bets
With the game drawing significant betting interest, sportsbooks have released a variety of player prop odds. Here’s a closer look at some key player props for the matchup:
Jacoby Brissett (NE)
- Completions: 17.5 (O -115 | U -115)
- Passing Yards: 165.5 (O -115 | U -115)
- Passing Touchdowns: 0.5 (O -165 | U +125)
Aaron Rodgers (NYJ)
- Completions: 20.5 (O +100 | U -130)
- Passing Yards: 212.5 (O -115 | U -115)
- Passing Touchdowns: 1.5 (O +115 | U -145)
Ground Game Focus
The Patriots’ offensive strategy appears to be centered around their running game, particularly with Rhamondre Stevenson. His rushing attempts prop is set at 16.5, and he’s expected to be a focal point in the offense. The Jets have shown vulnerability against the run, ranking among the bottom five in run defense according to Pro Football Focus. This could lead to a heavy workload for Stevenson, allowing Brissett to manage the game without putting too much pressure on his passing abilities.
Rhamondre Stevenson (NE)
- Rushing Attempts: 16.5 (O -115 | U -115)
- Rushing Yards: 66.5 (O -115 | U -115)
Breece Hall (NYJ)
- Rushing Attempts: 16.5 (O +105 | U -135)
- Rushing Yards: 64.5 (O -115 | U -115)
Receiver Props: A Mixed Bag
The receiving corps for both teams presents a mixed bag of opportunities. For the Patriots, Hunter Henry and Ja’Lynn Polk are notable names to watch. Henry’s receptions prop is set at 3.5, while Polk’s is at 1.5. Given Brissett’s struggles, it’s reasonable to expect limited production from the receiving unit.
On the Jets’ side, Garrett Wilson stands out with a receptions prop of 5.5. However, with the potential for a run-heavy game plan, his opportunities may be limited. Allen Lazard, often seen as Rodgers’ go-to target, has a receptions prop of 2.5, but his usage has fluctuated, making the under a tempting bet.
Key Receiver Props:
- Hunter Henry (NE): 3.5 receptions (O +105 | U -135)
- Garrett Wilson (NYJ): 5.5 receptions (-110 | U -120)
- Allen Lazard (NYJ): 2.5 receptions (O -130 | U +100)
Touchdown Scorer Props
When it comes to finding value in the touchdown scorer market, Rhamondre Stevenson stands out as a strong candidate. He has been the primary option in the red zone for the Patriots, accounting for a significant percentage of their rushing attempts inside the 20-yard line. With the Jets allowing three rushing touchdowns in their first two games, betting on Stevenson to score at +135 presents a solid opportunity.
Touchdown Scorer Odds:
- Rhamondre Stevenson (NE): Anytime TD (+135)
- Breece Hall (NYJ): Anytime TD (-155)
Final Thoughts
As the Patriots and Jets prepare to clash on Thursday Night Football, the matchup may lack the star power of previous years, but it offers plenty of intrigue for fans and bettors alike. With both teams looking to establish their identities early in the season, expect a game that emphasizes the ground game and strategic play-calling. Whether you’re betting on player props or simply enjoying the rivalry, this game promises to be a compelling watch.