Patriots Open As 16.5-Point Chalk Versus Jets

The New England Patriots host the New York Jets this Saturday. The Patriots are 12-2 while the Jets are 4-10 so a double-digit point spread between these two AFC East rivals would not be a surprise, but odds makers opened the line for the game late Sunday night at New England -16.5.

That number could even creep up higher. As of early Wednesday, the line was New England -16.5 on most online sportsbooks, but a few had bumped it up a half point to -17. Sharp money could affect the final closing number.

The Jets have played poorly against New England. A case in point, New York is 2-9 straight up in its past 11 games versus New England. However, against the spread, the Jets are completely the opposite going 6-0-1 ATS in their past 7 games versus the Pats.

Nevertheless, in this game, it will be hard going against New England as they are playing at home and against an inexperienced quarterback in Bryce Petty. It also appears as if the Jets as a team are already looking to the offseason.

New England beat the Jets the first time the two played this season 22-17 at New York. This game could be New England’s tune up for its final game of the regular season at Miami next week.

Even computer simulation games have the Patriots routing the Jets by 22 points on Saturday. That could change during the course of the week for factors such as the weather of injuries that can cause top players to either miss the game or not play at 100%.

New England however has been a covering machine on the season at 11-3 ATS, while New York is just 5-8-1 ATS this season.

In the NFL power rankings, the Patriots are either No. 1 or No. 2 depending upon what power rankings you follow, while the Jets are a woeful No. 30.

This game has the recipe for a huge blowout by the Patriots unless New England decides to take its foot off the pedal early or inclement weather rolls in and slows the game down for both teams.

Make sure to follow the weather and injury reports throughout the week.