Thursday Night Football Preview: Patriots vs Jets – September 19, 2024

Thursday Night Football Preview: Patriots vs Jets – September 19, 2024

Matchup: New England Patriots @ New York Jets

Time: 8:15 PM ET

TV: Prime Video

Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

New England Patriots Key Players & Prop Bets:

QB: Jacoby Brissett (RK28)

Props:

- 165.5 Passing Yards

- 28.5 Passing Attempts

- 17.5 Completions

- 11.5 Rushing Yards

Analysis:

Brissett hasn't exceeded 148 passing yards this season, and with the Jets' strong pass defense, it's hard to see that changing. The Patriots lack reliable receiving options beyond TE Hunter Henry, and the offense has been conservative, designed around Brissett averaging 25 pass attempts. With the Jets' offense struggling and the Patriots' defense performing well, expect a neutral game script favoring the under on both passing yards (165.5) and passing attempts (28.5). Brissett is irrelevant in most fantasy formats, including superflex.

RB: Rhamondre Stevenson (RK13)

Props:

- 67.5 Rushing Yards

- 16.5 Rushing Attempts

- 85.5 Rush + Receiving Yards

- 15.5 Receiving Yards

Analysis:

Stevenson has been a workhorse for the Patriots, tallying over 20 carries per game through the first two weeks. He ranks 4th in yards after contact per attempt (YAC/ATT), and the Jets' defense, which has allowed the 9th most rushing yards and ranks 13th in rushing yards allowed per play (RYYP), should provide opportunities for Stevenson. With the game likely to remain competitive, Stevenson is a high-end RB2 with a solid chance to hit the over on his rushing props.

TE: Hunter Henry (RK TE9)

Props:

- 33.5 Receiving Yards

Analysis:

Coming off a game where he accounted for 109 of Brissett's 149 passing yards, Henry is emerging as the go-to target in this passing attack. The Jets' defense could be without LB CJ Mosley, opening up the middle of the field. Henry leads the team in average depth of target (ADOT) at 7 yards and is a strong candidate to hit the over on his 33.5 receiving yards prop. He remains a top-10 TE play this week.

New York Jets Key Players & Prop Bets:

QB: Aaron Rodgers (RK QB22)

Props:

- 213.5 Passing Yards

- 30.5 Passing Attempts

Analysis:

Rodgers has struggled through the first two weeks, looking like a shell of his former self. His 6.7 yards per attempt and quick releases suggest a conservative, short-range passing game. The Jets have run the 6th fewest plays in the league, and they face a Patriots defense that limits opportunities for opposing offenses. Rodgers is a borderline starter in superflex formats, and the under on his 213.5 passing yards is an attractive option.

RB: Breece Hall (RK RB3)

Props:

- 16.5 Rushing Attempts

- 101.5 Rush + Receiving Yards

- 30.5 Receiving Yards

- 4.5 Receptions

Analysis:

Hall faces a tough matchup on the ground as the Patriots have allowed the 3rd fewest rushing yards per play. However, Hall's ability as a receiver out of the backfield could be key. He’s recorded over 5 receptions in each of the last two games, and the Patriots have allowed the 11th most receptions to RBs. Hall remains a must-start RB1, and the over on his receiving yards and receptions props is tempting.

WR: Garrett Wilson (RK WR13)

Props:

- 5.5 Receptions

- 64.5 Receiving Yards

Analysis:

Wilson's season has been underwhelming thus far, failing to surpass 60 receiving yards or score a touchdown in the first two games. However, he remains the clear No. 1 option in the Jets' passing attack. The Patriots' defense is tough, but their secondary allowed two 100+ yard games to Seahawks receivers last week. While Wilson's ceiling is capped in this matchup, he is a must-start WR2.

WR: Mike Williams (RK WR65)

Props:

- 22.5 Receiving Yards

Analysis:

Williams saw a significant increase in snap share in Week 2, playing nearly as many snaps as Allen Lazard. He’s poised for a larger role in an offense that desperately needs help downfield. Williams is worth a speculative fantasy add, but his role remains uncertain.

This AFC East showdown is shaping up to be a low-scoring, defensive battle. Both offenses are limited by injuries and conservative game plans, while both defenses rank among the better units in the league. Expect a grind-it-out affair where the ground game takes precedence and points come at a premium. With New England favored by 2.5 points, this game will likely come down to a few key plays, with Rhamondre Stevenson and Breece Hall playing pivotal roles for their respective teams.