The New England Patriots are coming off a disappointing overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys. It was a tightly contested game, but the valiant effort didn't produce a win. The Patriots take on the 1-4 New York Jets this week, who are coming off an idle week.
They have already faced off this season in Week 2, when the Patriots cruised to a 25-6 win. It will be another matchup between the rookie quarterbacks in Mac Jones and Zach Wilson. With that said, here are four bold predictions for the Patriots Week 7 game against the Jets.
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Patriots Week 7 Predictions
4. Hunter Henry catches a touchdown
One of the biggest free agency signings by the Patriots was tight end, Hunter Henry. Henry has been extremely impactful for the Pats' offense, giving their rookie quarterback a vertical threat. He has had a touchdown in each of the past three games, helping the red zone offense improve.
On the season, Henry has 22 receptions for 241 yards and three touchdowns (Pro Football Reference). Against a weak Jets defense, Henry should have another outstanding performance.
3. Patriots defense forces multiple turnovers
The Patriots have a good defense that has shown the ability to disrupt offenses. Back in week two, the Jets only scored six points on the Patriots defenses and had four turnovers. Over the years, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has always caused trouble for rookie quarterbacks.
That was no different in their first matchup as Jets quarterback Wilson threw four interceptions. Wilson has had a rough rookie campaign with a lack of talent around him. This season, Wilson has thrown for 1,117 yards along with four touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has also completed a low percentage of his passes at 57.3 percent (Pro Football Reference).
With an inexperienced quarterback, look for the Patriots to force multiple turnovers this week.
2. Mac Jones throws three touchdowns
The Patriots drafted Mac Jones in the first round to be their quarterback of the future. While he hasn't been an immediate star, Jones has been a great game manager. Jones has been completing his passes at a high rate of 71.1 percent but has turned the ball over frequently.
He has thrown for 1,472 yards along with seven touchdowns and six interceptions (Pro Football Reference). Jones has yet to throw three touchdowns in a game, but he is becoming more familiar with the offense. He is improving every game and has a favorable game against the Jets this week.
Look for Jones to assert himself as one of the top rookies with a signature performance.
1. New England blows out the Jets
The last time these two teams played, it was a blowout win for the Patriots. This should happen again as they are simply the more talented and better team. They have the more experienced head coach in Belichick as well as more established players on both sides of the ball.
This will be a crucial game for the Patriots as they need to get back on track to make a playoff push. They currently sit in 2nd place in the AFC East with a record of 2-4. It will be challenging to win the division as the Buffalo Bills are elite, but the Pats could make the playoffs as a wild card team.
Look for the Patriots to pick up a win against the Jets and get closer in the playoff hunt.
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