There is a special place in hell for the New England Patriots. Not only have they run roughshod over the NFL for the better part of two decades but the fandom that follows them is undoubtedly some of the most spoiled, entitled people on earth. And why shouldn’t they be? New England teams haven’t gone longer than 5 years without a championship since the turn of the century. During this torrent of success, one of their favorite punching bags has been the New York sports conglomerate – particularly the New York Jets. Since 2000, the Jets are an astounding 11-37 against the Patriots including a series of legendarily embarrassing moments that will haunt the tri-state area in perpetuity. But thankfully, that reign of terror is over. Gone is the scowling mug of Bill Belichick and the freakish, ever-changing jawline of Tom Brady. A new day has dawned and the era of lopsided Patriots victories is over. The last time these two teams met was Week 18 of last year when the Jets ended an astonishing 15 game losing streak against the Pats who were finishing off a miserable 4-13 regular season. On Thursday night, the Jets look to make it two in a row against their hated rival. This time, with 4x MVP Aaron Rodgers at the helm and a realistic chance at breaking a 15-year playoff drought. If the Jets want to officially banish New England to the shadow realm where they belong, they can go a long way in making that happen when the sun sets on what will undoubtedly be a rowdy MetLife stadium for the Jets first home game of the 2024 campaign. 

The Patriots will be rolling into Thursday night with journeyman Jacoby Brissett under center and a receiving corps highlighted by such superstars as Ja’Lynn Polk and DeMario Douglas. Laughable. Disgusting. The only offensive player worth remembering is running back Rhamondre Stevenson who offers the lone bright spot in an otherwise putrid lineup. It is a a collection of talent so pitiful that 3rd overall pick Drake Maye has been indefinitely sidelined to protect him from getting mutilated behind a makeshift offensive line. Despite the ramshackle roster and low expectations, the Patriots have gotten off to a surprisingly strong start. They defeated the injury battered Bengals Week 1 and took the upstart Seahawks to overtime before losing by a skinny field goal in Week 2. But they should be no match for a Jets team that seemed to find its stride in the second half of a 24-17 victory over the Titans last week. It was a game that saw Rodgers finally develop some chemistry with his teammates, particularly 20 year-old rookie Braelon Allen who scored two touchdowns in the Gang Green triumph. Third-year back Breece Hall hauled in a nifty touchdown pass of his own in the second half and Jets fans got a small taste of what a Rodgers led offense could accomplish when everything is in sync. 

The Jets will look to build on that small glimmer of magic on Thursday night and build on it they shall. The reign of terror is over in the AFC East and nothing short of an unconditional victory will ensure that all doubt is erased. The Jets are going to win on Thursday night and put two decades of misery behind them. Whatever goodwill this Patriots team has amassed over the season’s first two games has been merely a mirage for the inevitable mediocrity that will befall them as the summer wilts into fall. If you’re placing a bet on this game, feel comfortable betting on the Jets to cover the 6-point spread and thank me later as you count your winnings. Click the link below to place that bet with DraftKings. 

A Bet for Jets Fan 

Missing from the Jets season so far has been the Garrett Wilson-Aaron Rodgers connection that everyone has been dreaming about for nearly 2 years. We have seen small hints of it through the first two weeks but the former Offensive Rookie of the Year has failed to find the end zone thus far and has amassed just a shade under 120 receiving yards on 10 receptions. I think that changes this week as Rodgers looks for Wilson early and often against the Patriots especially in the red zone. 

Take Garrett Wilson to Score anytime below. 

A Bet for the Pessimist

Despite the confidence I have in a Jets victory I am not quite so confident it will be a loud one. Translation: I don’t know if there will be many points scored in this one. The over/under is set at a paltry 38.5 but I think a 20-10 Jets win is a very much possible. Taking the under feels a little dirty but safe. Click the link below and hope for a half dozen punts on either side.