EAST RUTHERFORD – The New York Jets (1-1) are gearing up to face the New England Patriots (1-1) tonight at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, marking an exciting matchup as the teams clash in Week 3.
The Jets secured their first victory of the season last Sunday, defeating the Tennessee Titans 24-17, thanks in part to Aaron Rodgers. The atmosphere tonight will be particularly charged as it marks Rodgers’ first home start since he suffered a torn Achilles just four plays into his Jets career last September.
Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, will look to build on the momentum from last week’s win and lead the Jets to a 2-1 record. However, the Patriots, known for their strong running game, will aim to pull off an upset on the road.
In the game so far, the Jets are leading 7-0 with 4:21 remaining in the first quarter, following Rodgers’ first touchdown pass as a Jet, a 10-yard connection to Allen Lazard, who has already recorded three touchdown catches this season. The drive was boosted by a 15-yard penalty on Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai for a tackle on running back Breece Hall.
The Jets’ defense opened strong, forcing a quick punt from the Patriots’ offense. Notably, linebacker Will McDonald nearly recorded his fourth sack of the season but the Patriots’ QB Jacoby Brissett managed to complete a pass before being taken down.
In another key moment, Rodgers made a short completion to wide receiver Garrett Wilson for six yards on his first play, followed by a five-yard scramble that secured a first down.
The Patriots won the coin toss and elected to defer their possession until the second half, allowing the Jets to start on offense.
The Jets’ defense is facing challenges this week, missing key players such as Jermaine Johnson and Haason Reddick due to injuries and contractual issues. Linebacker C.J. Mosley has also been ruled out for tonight’s game due to a toe injury.
Inactives for the Jets include C.J. Mosley, OT Max Mitchell, RB Israel Abanikanda, and others. The Patriots will also be without several players, including linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and quarterback Joe Milton III.
Tonight’s game is set to kick off at 8:15 p.m. at MetLife Stadium. It will be broadcast on FOX and available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
In their historical rivalry, the Patriots lead the series against the Jets, 74-55-1. The Jets last triumphed over the Patriots on January 7, 2024.
Game predictions lean towards the Jets securing a 27-20 victory, as they try to contain the Patriots’ rushing attack while capitalizing on their home debut for Rodgers to clinch their second win of the season.
Betting odds indicate the Jets are favored by 6.5 points with an over/under of 38.5 points for the game. The weather for tonight’s matchup is expected to be cloudy with a slight chance of rain and temperatures around 65 degrees.