The Patriots opened as 12-point favorites as they host the New York Jets in Week 2.
Last week was a mess for the Pats, and it makes predicting this week’s result a bit tougher. Oddly, the New England offense didn’t look much different from last year’s unit despite some pretty significant differences in personnel. If the goal was simply to escape with an ugly win without putting too much of substance on tape for other teams, then mission accomplished. Still, when you stop to consider the quality of the opposition, escaping with a last-second FG is not an impressive result. Injuries to Vereen and Amendola won’t help matters much either.
Speaking of things that are unimpressive, there’s the Jets. They won last week, but it was more a case of the other team giving away an easy win. In addition to the boneheaded penalty that resulted in their winning field goal, New York got four other first downs via penalty. Smith absorbed five sacks and turned the ball over twice. They can’t run well, they can’t pass well, and their defense is an average unit on a good day.
A New England win should be a foregone conclusion. Covering the spread is another animal entirely. The Pats often get few extra points in a line simply because they’re the Pats. Over the past year or so, the Jets have been gifted a few points in most lines simply because their team is a joke and their blowhard head coach is the punch line. The Jets can’t win this game, but I have little confidence in New England’s ability to blow anyone out with the current roster.
I’m taking the Jets to cover. And then I’m taking a shower.
Other Lines I Like
49ers (+2.5) @ Seahawks
Most power rankings say that the Seahawks are among the league’s elite teams. While they are undoubtedly a dangerous team, I still don’t think they rise to San Francisco’s level. Russell Wilson is going to look funny without an eyebrow.
Jaguars (+6) @ Raiders
I’m taking the Jags simply because the Raiders are getting six points. Stop and try to wrap your head around that — the Raiders … yes, the team from Oakland … getting … six … points. I’m not convinced that either team will score, so I’ll take the points here.
Record ATS: 1-1-1
Record ATS since 2010: 108-100-5
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