5 bold predictions for Jets vs. Patriots in Week 7

Week 7 provides a new test for the Jets.

How this team responds coming out of the bye week should indicate how they’ll operate for the rest of the season. Robert Saleh had a long time to evaluate this team and see the things that must be resolved before he and the Jets take on the Patriots this Sunday.

If New York plays well – even in a losing effort – it sets the team up nicely for the rest of the year and the future. But if Gang Green continues to falter or make the same mistakes that plagued the team’s 1-4 start, there will be a lot more questions than answers as New York barrels towards another bad season.

The Patriots rematch is a perfect get-right spot for this Jets team considering the many flaws of Bill Belichick’s young squad. New York could come away with an upset if it exploits New England’s recent struggles.

With that in mins, here are five bold predictions for the Week 7 matchup.

Jets intercept Mac Jones

(Al Bello-Getty Images)

The Jets are the only team in the NFL without an interception this season. That lack of production is unsustainable over the rest of the season and they’ll now face a rookie quarterback who has thrown all six of his interceptions over the past four games. A good Jets pass rush, coupled with stout coverage, could lead to the team’s first pick against Mac Jones.

Michael Carter goes over 100

(Bill Kostroun-AP)

Carter is on the cusp of a breakout game. The rookie’s snaps have steadily increased since Week 1 and he has an opportunity to take over against the Patriots. New England ranks 16th in average rushing yards allowed per game but allows just 3.8 yards per carry. So while Carter may not break 100 yards on the ground, he could do it combined with the passing game. Three running backs have broken that mark this season against the Patriots and Carter almost did it in Week 2 with 88 total yards.

Elijah Moore scores a touchdown

(Frank Franklin II-AP)

The squeaky wheel gets the grease, and Zach Wilson will likely try to find his fellow rookie throughout the game after he and Saleh said they want to get the ball to Moore. The Patriots have a soft secondary that’s given up 738 passing yards and six passing touchdowns over the past two weeks, so Moore should find space on his targets. It helps, too, that Corey Davis and Jamison Crowder should see the bulk of the attention from the Patriots’ weakened defense.

Jets get to Jones

(Chris Pedota-NorthJersey.com/USA Today Network)

The Jets tallied three sacks against the Patriots in Week 2 and should be able to match or eclipse that mark this time around. John Franklin-Myers, Quinnen Williams, Sheldon Rankins and Bryce Huff have played well recently and are likely chomping at the bit to get a piece of the Patriots rookie.

Who wins?

(Getty Images-AP)

Even with great games from its rookies, it’s hard to imagine the Jets doing enough to get past the Patriots. New England narrowly lost to the red-hot Cowboys in Week 6 and rallied for a win over the upset-hungry Texans before that. New York’s offense should improve on its six-point Week 2 outing, but won’t have enough firepower to pull off the win.

Score: Patriots 26, Jets 21

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