Patriots vs Jets Odds - Brady shows Sanchez how it’s done in century clash

This week’s Patriots vs Jets odds features a longstanding AFC East rivalry, as this will be the 100th time that these two will do battle. The Jets are home underdogs in your offshore sportsbook and their rookie quarterback had an excellent debut, but the Patriots’ star pivot will make the clutch plays to pull out another win for New England at Giants Stadium.

Patriots vs Jets Odds: Patriots -6.5 (Total: 46.5)

• WHAT: NFL Week 2 matchups
  
• WHEN: Sunday, September 20, 1:00 PM ET
  
• WHERE: Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
  
• KEY STAT: New England has won eight in a row at Giants Stadium
  
• PICK: New England; OVER 46.5

Patriots vs Jets odds: The Storyline
Tom Brady made a triumphant return as he led the Patriots (with Buffalo’s “help”) back from an 11-point deficit with 5:32 left in their 25-24 victory over the Bills. Mark Sanchez looked very good in his regular-season debut as the Jets rolled to a 24-7 win in Houston. It’s a meeting of arguably the best pivot, against one who could be the best in the future.

Patriots vs Jets odds maker breakdown: Offense
It took a while to warm up, but Brady ended up with 378 yards and his two touchdown passes came within the last 2:06 of the game. Buffalo did a great job of avoiding the big play, but Brady was patient, took what he was given and showed why the Patriots are the online betting favorites for the Super Bowl with him in the fold.

Sanchez threw for 272 yards, a touchdown and a pick, but he knows he also has a very good running back in Thomas Jones, who ran for 107 yards and a pair of scores. This takes a lot of pressure off the rookie. They also controlled the clock, holding the ball for almost 39 minutes.

Betting Edge: Patriots

Patriots vs Jets odds maker breakdown: Defense
New England’s defense looked indifferent against the Bills, and even though they held them to 276 yards, Buffalo averaged almost five yards a carry on the ground. The Patriots did a great job on Terrell Owens, who had only two catches, but it looked like the Bills’ no-huddle offense confused New England. Also, the Patriots’ defensive leader, Jerod Mayo, left with a knee injury.

Coach Rex Ryan quickly stamped his authority on the Jets’ defense, which shut down Houston to the tune of 183 yards, including 38 rushing yards. Ryan was the architect of a great Baltimore defense, and his troops appear to be catching on quickly, However, if they’re really going to grade this unit, it comes against offenses like the Patriots.

Betting Edge: Jets

Patriots vs Jets odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Stephen Gostkowski uncharacteristically missed a field-goal, but hit two more and recovered the late fumble by Buffalo’s Leodis McKelvin that gave Brady a chance to go down the field one more time. The return teams also looked good.

The Texans keyed on Leon Washington, one of the best return men in the NFL, but he still managed a couple of good runs. Jay Feely was perfect on his long field-goal attempt and three extra points.

Betting Edge: Draw

Patriots vs Jets odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
New England is waiting to hear how serious Mayo’s knee injury is. Last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year is now the heart of the Patriots’ defense with Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison retired.

The Jets managed to get out of Houston unscathed, and it’s a good thing, because they’ll need all the help they can get against the Patriots.

Betting Edge: Jets

Patriots vs Jets betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Patriots have won eight straight against the Jets at Giants Stadium, and all of those wins have come against the spread, but this year’s game will be closer than the 6.5-point spread indicates. Ryan’s Baltimore defenses gave Brady trouble when they met, and he has these Jets playing with a new belief. The Jets will be able to run on the Patriots if Mayo isn’t there. However, Sanchez is still a rookie, and he’ll make a mistake for Brady and the Patriots to capitalize on. Take the Pats, but be careful: they may have trouble covering the spread.

The teams should go over the posted total of 46.5, as four of the last five meetings between the two at Giants Stadium have done so.

STAN’S PICK: Patriots; OVER 46.5

For more tips and picks, visit Stan for all your sports betting needs in the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. For more on the Patriots vs Jets matchup, check out our stats section.

Stan Simmons is one of BetOnline.com's NFL experts.