The New England Patriots were just embarrassed on "Monday Night Football" at home in a 33-14 loss to a bad Chicago Bears team.
The Patriots' quarterback situation also is an absolute mess right now.
And yet, oddsmakers still like the Patriots' chances of bouncing back and beating the rival New York Jets on the road in Sunday's Week 8 game at MetLife Stadium.
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Meyers gives brutally honest take on Jones being pulled early
Check out the opening betting lines for Patriots-Jets, via DraftKings:
- Spread: Patriots -1.5 (-110), Jets +1.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Patriots -125, Jets +105
- Over/Under: Over 41 points (-110), Under 41 points (-110)
The Jets have exceeded expectations with a 5-2 start, putting them a half-game behind the Buffalo Bills for first place in the AFC East. They were hit hard by injuries in Week 7, though. The Jets lost rookie running back Breece Hall (ACL) and offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (triceps) to season-ending injuries in Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos. The Jets did, however, acquire Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson in a trade Monday.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have won 12 consecutive games versus the Jets dating back to 2015. They're also 4-1 against the spread in their last five matchups against the Jets.
However, it's hard to back the Patriots right now given their quarterback situation. Mac Jones started against the Bears but lasted only three possessions before he was pulled. Rookie Bailey Zappe played the rest of the game and, after leading two touchdown drives in the second quarter, quickly fell apart as the Patriots were shutout in the second half. These two quarterbacks combined for four turnovers (three interceptions and a fumble).
New England's defense also took a step back. It gave up 393 yards and 33 points to a Bears offense that entered Week 7 as one of the least explosive and lowest-scoring units in the league.
This Patriots-Jets matchup is probably one of those games where it's just best to stay away if you're a bettor. It's hard to trust either of these teams right now entering Week 8.