Oddsmakers have made their position loud and clear: Zach Wilson vs. Bill Belichick is a huge mismatch.
In what could be a season-defining game for both teams, the winless Patriots have opened as 2.5-point road favorites against the Jets in Week 3 at FanDuel.
The Jets would have been favored over this mediocre Patriots team if Aaron Rodgers hadn’t suffered his season-ending injury, but it’s clear oddsmakers have no faith in Wilson’s chances of beating a Belichick team.
Home teams are spotted three points, meaning a Patriots team that has not held a lead this season is viewed as nearly a touchdown better than a Wilson-led team.
Now, sure, Wilson – to paraphrase Dennis Green – was who we thought he was Sunday in Dallas when he completed 17-of-27 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.
If not for Garrett Wilson, those numbers would have been even worse.
But the Jets’ defense, which laid an egg in the 30-10 loss, is no slouch and should keep things close against the uninspiring Mac Jones.
The defense made life tough on Josh Allen in the stunning 22-16 overtime upset in Week 1, and the Patriots have far fewer weapons than Buffalo.
Zach Wilson during a 2022 game against the Patriots.Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post But there’s also that whole streak thing to consider for your wagers.
The Patriots have won 14 straight against the Jets, sweeping the last seven series, and last lost to their division rivals on Dec. 27, 2015, in The Meadowlands.
Wilson is 0-4 against the Patriots with two touchdown passes, seven interceptions, and a brutal 50.9% completion percentage.
He also averages 173.3 passing yards per game and has been sacked 11 times.
Betting on the NFL?
Wilson actually threw for a career-best 355 yards and two touchdowns – along with three interceptions – last year in Foxborough in a 22-17 loss last October.
But he followed that inspired effort with a 9-of-22, 77-yard performance in the 10-3 home loss one month later.
Sunday’s game could change the trajectory for both teams despite it being just Week 3.
The Patriots desperately need a win after losing two home games to the Eagles and Dolphins, while the Jets have to prove they can still compete without Rodgers.
To lose to Dallas in Dallas is one thing. To lose to this New England team at home is going to heighten the concerns that the Jets are cooked.
And the oddsmakers believe that sentiment will prevail Sunday.
