It’s a battle of the bottom of the AFC East to close out Week 9 of the National Football League. The New England Patriots (2-5, 0-3 away) take on the New York Jets (0-8, 0-4 home) in primetime on Monday Night Football. Kickoff is set for 8:15 P.M. Eastern at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots are 9.5-point favorites in the AFC rivalry contest, according to oddsmakers.
What to Know – New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have lost four-straight football games for the first time since 2002 and have averaged just 12.3 points per game through that stretch. The Patriots took care of the Jets in both meetings last season, winning at 30-14 and on the road 33-0.
Cam Newton finished 15-for-25 for 174 yards passing, adding nine carries for 54 yards for one rushing touchdown. Trailing by three and driving late in the fourth quarter, Newton fumbled in the red zone and cost the Patriots an opportunity to win the game or tie it up with a field goal.
Damien Harris carried the ball 16 times for a season-high 102 yards in the loss. Harris also found the endzone for the first time this season.
The Patriots were down Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry for last Sunday’s contest against the Bills. Jakobi Meyers led the way, catching six passes for 58 yards. Meyers is expected to remain a top target of Newton’s Monday night with Edelman sidelined and Harry’s status listed as questionable.
What to Know – New York Jets
The Jets are still searching for their first victory of the season as the only winless team remaining in the league and will be without starting quarterback Sam Darnold for Monday’s game. New York hasn’t beaten the Patriots since 2015.
With Darnold out, the Jets will look to Joe Flacco to help get them their first tally in the win column. Flacco has played in three games this season, completing 41-of-79 passes for 397 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
New York was held under 100 yards rushing last week against a Kansas City Chiefs defense that allows an average of 142.8 yards per game. Veteran Frank Gore (10 carries, 30 yards) and rookie La’Mical Perine (8 carries, 27 yards) shared most of the carries, with neither back ever establishing anything on the ground.
The Jets are in last place in the league in passing offense, which was evident in their blowout loss to the Chiefs. New York put up just 133 yards through the air, with Denzel Mims hauling in two catches for 42 yards. Braxton Berrios logged a career-high eight receptions in the loss.
The Pick is In
New England is playing lousy football, but the Jets are playing worse. Both squads have numerous question marks on the status of key players for the game. The Patriots have done a decent job defensively and have the history of eight-straight victories over the Jets on their side. Look for Newton to step up and play a solid game, leading the Patriots to a double-digit victory.
The Pick: New England Patriots (-9.5)
