Free Thursday Night Pick: Week 11
November 12th 2008
by Special K

New York Jets (+3) vs New England Patriots 

First of all, somebody needs to tell the Browns that an NFL football game is four quarters and not three.  Their inadequate 4th quarter pass coverage cost us our pick last week.  This week is going to a whole different story.  The New York Jets are flying high coming into Foxboro having won 5 of their last 6 games.  Granted their competition hasn't been that stellar but I do like how the Jets are playing both on offense and defense.  The offseason acquisitions of Brett Favre, Alan Faneca, Kris Jenkins, and Damian Woody are definitely paying huge dividends so far and the Jets are really starting to gel. 

It's almost like looking in the mirror when you look at the defensive statistics over the last three games between both of these teams. Both teams have allowed just under 15 points a game and have given up just 275 yards to opposing offenses.  However, the one critical statistic which sticks out in favor of the Jets and their defense is turnovers.  The Jets are stopping the run, creating a lot of pressure on opposing QB's and scoring defensive touchdowns. Edge in defense goes to the Jets.

You've got to give the Patriots players and their coaching staff a lot of credit for where they are today.  The Patriots have lost Brady, Harrison, Maroney, Morris, and the list goes on. The Patriots are just struggling to stay healthy.  More bad news came this week as Adalius Thomas, one of their best pass rushers, has been lost for the season due to a forearm injury.  This is a another huge blow to the  Patriots defensive unit. 

Ironically, the last time the Jets beat the Patriots was in Foxboro on November 12th, 2006. Take the Jets and look for them to knock off the reigning and longtime AFC East Champs.