The Bailey Zappe experiment seemed at first like it would be a minor fad until Mac Jones returned at quarterback for the Patriots.
But as New England approaches a vital game with the New York Jets, there is legitimate uncertainty about what the Patriots should do.
Last week, the Patriots attempted to play with a game plan that would feature both players seeing time, and that was a disaster against the Bears.
What people who bet the Patriots vs Jets spread will have to determine is if New England is in a position to recover from such a poor stretch.
New York does have a few issues that will make its Week 8 NFL schedule more difficult than originally anticipated.
New England Patriots Season Forecast
Many making Patriots picks before the season believed New England may be able to return to the postseason again this season, but a tough AFC East race may make that impossible.
Buffalo is primed to run away with the division, but the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets are also playing good football.
Second-worst Number
What is hurting the Patriots more than anything is their inability to protect the football. New England has turned the ball over 15 times this season, which is the second-worst number in the league.
The Patriots’ passing game in particular has struggled, only producing 218.6 yards per game.
Moneyline
Opening Line
NFL odds show New England opened as -125 favorites.
How Has the Line Moved and Why
The Patriots are now -121, which means that the sentiment toward New England has softened slightly, but not too much.
What Would Make Bet Lose
If New England can’t figure out its quarterback situation, it will be difficult for the Patriots to win. Jones and Zappe can’t continue to swap out every week. New England will need to pick someone to lead the team.
Spread
Opening Line
New England opened as 1.5-point favorite on the Patriots vs Jets spread.
How Has the Line Moved and Why
There has yet to be any movement on the spread.
What Would Make Bet Lose
If the Patriots’ offense can’t score enough to keep up with New York.
Total
Opening Line
The over/under opened at 41 points.
How Has the Line Moved and Why
The over/under has dropped to 40.5 points. There has been little movement
What Would Make Bet Lose
If both offenses were able to take advantage of short fields and score consistently. A few turnovers that set up bad field position could lead to more points.
Betting Trend to Know
The total has gone over in seven of New England’s 10 games this season.
New York Jets Season Forecast
Jets team stats likely show this team has arrived early. When second-year quarterback Zach Wilson injured his knee in the preseason, people were quick to shovel dirt on the Jets.
However, New York is off to a 5-2 start despite being disrespected on the Patriots vs Jets spread this week.
Moneyline
Opening Line
The Jets opened as +105 underdogs.
How Has the Line Moved and Why
New York is +107, showing little line movement so far.
What Would Make Bet Lose
Belichick has a habit of making things difficult for young quarterbacks. Without running back Breece Hall in the backfield, Wilson will be asked to do more things. If he can’t keep up with New England’s coach, it could hurt the Jets.
Jets spread
Opening Line
The Jets opened as 1.5-point underdogs.
How Has the Line Moved and Why
There has yet to be any movement on the spread.
What Would Make Bet Lose
If New York’s offense can’t pick up enough points on offense to stick close to New England’s attack. The Jets will need to score to put pressure on New England’s quarterbacks.
Betting Trend To Know
New York is 5-2 against the spread this season.
Most Profitable Players of this Matchup to Bet On
Betting the under on Jones’ passing yards for the Patriots may be a good bet from here on in. New England Patriots is comfortable running the ball, and it is uncertain if Belichick will have a quick hook for Jones.
The Jets brought in running back James Robinson from the Jaguars to help take the pressure off Wilson in Hall’s absence. Even with a new team, Robinson will find a way to go over his rushing total.
Rhamondre Stevenson was still in New England’s top position for running back even after Damien Harris returned.
Expect Stevenson to go over his rushing total vs. the Jets as New England’s offense starts to chart a course forward.
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