Jets vs. Patriots NFL Week 8 predictions, odds and best bets: Can NY turn season around?

The NFL Week 8 schedule is underway, and the Jets and Patriots face off Sunday in an AFC East showdown between two organizations with plenty of pressure mounting on both sidelines. Can the Jets finally secure their first victory under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich? How will the offense look with another week of experience for WR Davante Adams in the offense? Currently, sportsbooks like the Jets, as they’re favored by 7 points by all of our favorite sportsbooks. The over/under for the game is set at 41 points. Jets vs. Patriots predictions and best bets QB Aaron Rodgers is nursing a hamstring injury that has limited him in practice, but he has thrown over 20 completions in each of his past five games. In his first game of the season against New England, Rodgers went 27-for-35 as a passer. While the Jets have been trying to involve the rushing attack more, I don’t see them completely going away from the passing game. On the topic of rushing attack, all of the major sportsbooks have RB Breece Hall’s attempts at 17.5 or higher. With a yardage total set at 75.5, a defense that has allowed over five yards per carry in its past three games likely will allow Hall to surpass this total Sunday. Whether it’s because they’re down in the game or because they’re leaning on rookie QB Drake Maye to produce early, you can expect the Patriots to target Hunter Henry. The veteran tight end has been the most dependable pass catcher on the team. After nine targets last week, he should continue to get fed for enough opportunities to pass 32.5 receiving yards. Why the Jets could win as the favorite Despite suffering their fourth straight loss on the season, the Jets are trending in the right direction. Week 8 is the perfect opportunity for them to change their trajectory. The addition of Adams didn’t immediately blossom into success, but another week of work and familiarity through practice should go a long way in utilizing the array of pass catchers Rodgers has at his disposal. Working in New York’s favor is the defensive side of the football. New England has had struggles on the offensive line, and as a result, there has been very little consistency in offensive production. Going against a unit as talented as the Jets’ defense, it’s hard to see that trend stopping in Week 8. Why the Patriots could win as the underdog The pressure is on for Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo and the Patriots' coaching staff as rumors of frustration and locker room turmoil have made their way through the media. For a first year head coach with an inexperienced roster, the biggest way to cool down your seat is by winning. Doing so against a division rival would be especially beneficial. Since Maye has taken over at quarterback, the passing game has opened up. While the offense continues to have its issues, the ability to create splash plays make it so that there is a balance between the pass and run game. Should New England‘s offensive line find a way to slow down the Jets’ front seven, there will be opportunities for the young passer to effectively drive down the field and create scoring drives. That is easier said than done, though. Defensively, the team has the secondary to match up with this Jets' aerial attack. The run defense has taken a recent hit from all the recent injuries, If they have any intention of winning, however, it must be a priority.