NY Jets can make their presence felt in New England

Sky Sports Action, 6pm Sunday

New England will be expected to take care of business as they look to secure the AFC's number-one seeding, but whether they will do it with a comprehensive victory over arch-rivals the New York Jets is questionable.

The Patriots did not slip up against Buffalo last week after claiming a vital victory over fellow 12-3 outfit Pittsburgh in Week 15, but they do not have a good record against the Jets when it comes to covering the handicap, despite winning 11 of the last 13 meetings.

It promises to be a cold afternoon in Foxborough and Pats coach Bill Belichick has injury worries when it comes to his team's rushing attack, so it may be unrealistic to anticipate a similar total to the 37 points they posted against the Bills.

And while the Jets, who have exceeded their modest expectations by winning five matches this season, have struggled offensively since quarterback Josh McCown broke his hand, they have stayed in touch in some of their recent outings despite three successive defeats.

They had late chances to claim something from last week's 14-7 defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers last week, and were in touch late on before falling to a 31-19 loss at New Orleans.

It could be that the motivation will not be there for New England to grind them into the dirt and it would be no surprise if late scores ensure the Jets stay within 15 points.

Recommendation
New York Jets +15
2pts 10-11 Betway, Ladbrokes

The lowdown
Venue Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Surface Artificial
Weather Clear, -12C
Vegas handicap New York Jets +14.5
Vegas points line 43.5

Team news
New York Jets
Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins is doubtful with a foot injury while running back Matt Forte is rated questionable with a knee problem.
New England
Running backs Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee (both knee) are doubtful, while receivers Chris Hogan and Matt Slater, safety Devin McCourty and running back james White are all rated questionable.

Key stat
New England have covered the handicap in just one of their last nine games against the Jets

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on FacebookRacingPostSport