NFL Thursday Night Football Schedule & Predictions: New York Jets at New England Patriots; Who Will Win? [Poll]
The 2014 National Football League season has reached Week 7 already.
Football fans are rewarded with an AFC East rivalry game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football at 8:25 p.m. EST.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are currently 4-2, with wins over the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders. After a 2-2 start, the Patriots have won the last two games. Julian Edelman is Tom Brady's favorite target, again, with 40 catches and 409 yards this season. Tight end Robert Gronkowski has performed very well for a player who is coming off a torn ACL and MCL. Gronkowski leads the Patriots with four receiving touchdowns.
Unfortunately for the Patriots, they will be without running back Stevan Ridley and linebacker Jerod Mayo. Both suffered season ending injuries last week against the Bills. Shane Vereen and Dont'a Hightower will have to increase their playing time in place of them.
Even though the Patriots lost cornerback Aqib Talib, Darrelle Revis has played great lately and Brandon Browner is expected to play Thursday night. It appears as if Brandon LaFell is finally finding his groove with this Patriots system as well as tight end Tim Wright.
The biggest x-factor for the Patriots is wide receiver Brian Tyms. The lengthy 6-foot-3 Tyms creates a possible vertical threat for this Patriots offense.
New York Jets
The Jets won their first game of the season against the Oakland Raiders, but it's been a rough road ever since. Since that victory, the Jets have lost their last five consecutive games. For whatever reason, general manager John Idzik refuses to spend money on this team, despite having a lot of salary cap space available.
The Patriots don't have a great offensive line, and head coach Rex Ryan knows that. Trading away Logan Mankins opens up the door for the Jets blitz package. Muhammad Wilkerson, Calvin Pace and Sheldon Richardson have a combined 10.5 sacks so far this season.
Quarterback Geno Smith hasn't played very well this season, throwing six touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 69.7 passer rating. To his defense, the Jets receivers and running backs haven't been making big plays either. Chris Johnson has been a huge disappointment this season, averaging just 33.3 yards per game.
Unfortunately for the Jets, they will be without their best cornerback, Dee Milliner. Milliner will miss the remainder of the season with an achilles injury.
Schedule, Where to Watch
The Patriots and Jets are scheduled to kickoff on Thursday, Oct.16 at 8:25 p.m. EST. The game will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. There is a very good chance we could see a rainy Thursday Night Football game.
Predictions
Forget the records, because these teams always seem to play each other tough. Last season, the Patriots defeated the Jets at home 13-10 (Thursday Night Football) in Week 2, and the Jets got revenge by winning Week 7, 30-27 in overtime. Rex and Ryan and Bill Belichick know each other's styles of play very well.
Patriots win 20-17 in overtime.
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