Experts share their picks for the Patriots Week 7 matchup against the New York Jets.
Mike Reiss, ESPN:
Pick: Patriots 20, Jets 17
Bold prediction: Undrafted free-agent wide receiver Jakobi Meyers will record his first career touchdown pass. The Patriots project to lean more on Meyers with Josh Gordon (knee) ailing and Phillip Dorsett II (hamstring) hoping to return after having missed the Week 6 win over the Giants. Testing the Jets' depth at cornerback figures to be part of the Patriots' plan.
Rich Cimini, ESPN
Pick: Patriots 23, Jets 20
The Jets' blitz schemes will cause problems for Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who has struggled the past three weeks when throwing under pressure. That will be enough to keep the game close, but the Jets will have major issues with New England's man-to-man coverage schemes and won't be able to keep up offensively. Sam Darnold will learn a hard lesson about quarterbacking against a Bill Belichick-coached defense.
Mike Golic, ESPN: Patriots
Seth Wickersham, ESPN: Patriots
Mina Kimes, ESPN: Patriots
Dan Graziano, ESPN: Patriots
Trey Wingo, ESPN: Patriots
Louis Riddick, ESPN: Patriots
Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com
Pick: Patriots 27, Jets 21
It was a treat to watch Sam Darnold play quarterback last Sunday. He mixes speeds like a veteran reliever and moves in the pocket so naturally that he sometimes reminds me of a far more athletic version of his adversary on Monday night. The Jets' offensive line still has issues, and it's a problem that Le'Veon Bell's longest run of the year is for 13 yards, but the Jets could amazingly be the toughest offensive opponent the diverse Patriots defense has faced all year. It's been a weird season.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports:
Pick: Patriots 23, Jets 20
The Jets got their first victory last week when Sam Darnold returned to give them life. But this is a major challenge against the dominant Patriots defense. The Jets will hang around in this one, though, because the New England offense isn't clicking. Pats win it, but it's close.
Jason La Canfora, CBS Sports: Patriots
Will Brinson, CBS Sports: Patriots
Dave Richard, CBS Sports: Patriots
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Patriots
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk:
Pick: Patriots 34, Jets 20
The Jets are much better with Sam Darnold, but the Patriots are still the Patriots, especially with extra time to prepare.
Michael David Smith, Pro Football Talk:
Pick: Patriots 21, Jets 10
The Jets looked a whole lot better with the return of Sam Darnold, but facing the Patriots' defense is something different for Darnold, who's going to struggle on Monday night.
Jenny Vrentas, MMQB: Patriots
Conor Orr, MMQB: Patriots
Andy Hart, WEEI
Pick: Patriots 24, Jets 10
It's 6-0 vs. 1-4. Should be a cakewalk, right? Not so fast my friends. Not on the road in the division against a Jets team that has things looking up just a bit. Not given the questions regarding the New England passing game. Not for a Brady-led squad that's seen itself struggle at times each week since the second quarter of the first meeting with the Jets. Make no mistake, the Patriots are the better team with better talent and better coaching. That's why they'll win. But there will be times when Jamal Adams and the Jets defense build some momentum. And the Patriots may not get the special teams and defensive touchdowns that Belichick has called bonus points. Run the ball, use the short passing game, play solid defense and leave New York with a 24-10 win. It doesn't have to be pretty or a blowout, just survive and advance to 7-0.
Paul Perillo, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 27, Jets 13
Sam Darnold gives the Jets some early life but Patriots defense is too strong.
Mike Dussault, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 17, Jets 13
The Jets are riding high after the return of Sam Darnold and their first win of the season. That energy, coupled with an extended break for the injury-depleted Patriots, should make this a competitive game. Patriots hang on to secure the win but the Jets give them one of their toughest challenges yet.
Erik Scalavino, Patriots.com
Pick: Patriots 28, Jets 10
Sam Darnold's return under center for New York should automatically make this a more competitive match with the Jets than it was in his absence a month ago. However, New England's defense is still going to be too much for Gang Green to handle. The Patriots will do enough offensively to allow Bill Belichick's bunch to come home with another comfortable victory.
