Thursday Night Football: Jets At Patriots Predictions
By Erik Lambert
Oct 20, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan (right) and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shake hands after the game at MetLife Stadium. The Jets won the game 30-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
A classic rivalry between the New York Jets and New England Patriots plays out on Thursday Night Football. Who wins?
Subplots
Rex Ryan battling to save his job
Could a victory over the New England Patriots stave off the headhunters for Rex Ryan? Not by itself but it would certainly be a start. The embattled Jets head coach is staring down the barrel at being fired unless he can ignite some sort of miraculous turnaround. Beating his longtime rival Bill Belichick and the Patriots in Foxborough would be quite the catalyst.
Key Matchup
Patriots front seven against Chris Ivory
Stopping the run hasn’t been the easiest venture for the New England defense in 2014. Now that job just got a lot harder with the news that key linebacker Jarod Mayo is done for the season. The timing could certainly be better as the Patriots get set to face a solid Jets ground game led by Chris Ivory. His relentless, powerful style is something the Pats struggle with and could prove an x-factor in the game if they can’t slow it down.
Fantasy Players To Watch
Shane Vereen – RB
Stevan Ridley is done for the year after suffering a knee injury last week. That puts added pressure on backfield teammate Shane Vereen. He will need to help carry the load at running back for Tom Brady or risk forcing the 37-year old to throw constantly, something the Patriots haven’t been able to do with any consistency this season.
Geno Smith – QB
The New York Jets are sticking by their commitment to Geno Smith. Most believe it will burn them in the end but there are few options beyond the second-year quarterback. He has talent and has found success against the Patriots before but he’ll be navigating a strong pass defense led by Darrelle Revis and Devin McCourty. Playing under control and using his legs will be key for Smith if he wants to get the Jets offense anywhere.
Pick: NE 24, NYJ 14
It’s going to be an ugly game at times. New England won’t be able to run the ball at all and New York won’t be able to throw. Expect long periods of inactivity but the Patriots, being who they are, will grab the lead early and build a sufficient lead to take care of business.