Week 3’s Thursday Night Football game features an AFC East rivalry with the Patriots taking on the Jets. Even with New England playing better than expected, oddsmakers have still made New York a 6.5-point favorite. The total is currently sitting in the 38 to 38.5 range, so don’t expect a ton of fireworks in this one.
Ready to plunk down some cold hard cash on this matchup? Check out our betting preview below for all the latest info. Enjoy the game and best of luck with all of your wagers!
Allen Lazard (NYJ) Under 2.5 Receptions (+104)
I just can’t resist this plus money Under over at Caesars! Lazard is one of QB Aaron Rodgers’s old buddies from the Green Bay days, but I don’t see him doing a ton in this defensive slugfest. After a stellar Week 1 outing against San Fran, the former Iowa State star only hauled in 2 catches against Tennessee last week.
Lazard lines up on the right side of the field, so that means New England corner Christian Gonzalez will be covering him. The former Oregon standout isn’t as polished as Sauce Gardner, but he has excellent speed and all of the tools to shut down Lazard in this one.
Need a couple of trends to help you pull the trigger on this Under? No problem! Lazard had a median receptions number of just 2 last season. He also stayed under this total in 9 of his 14 ball games. Give me the Under to get this party started!
Tyler Conklin (NYJ) Under 2.5 Receptions (-101)
Conklin was a go-to guy for the Jets offense last season, but he’s been virtually invisible since Aaron Rodgers took the reins. The former Central Michigan alum has only gotten 2 targets per game so far this season. I’m not expecting that to change against a stout Patriots defense.
New England tends to defend the tight end position pretty well, so Conklin shouldn’t get more than a couple of receptions in this spot. The Pats allowed the fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2023. They only allowed 1 catch to Noah Fant in Week 2, so I could see a similar outcome for Conklin.
KJ Osborn (NE) Under 2.5 Receptions (-115)
We might as well make it 3 straight Unders at the same 2.5 number! Osborn was a good addition for the Pats in the offseason, but new head coach Jarod Mayo has proven that he simply wants to run Rhamondre Stevenson as much as possible.
That’s probably why Osborn was targeted just twice in New England’s overtime loss to Seattle last week. Osborn also draws a tough matchup here against an elite New York secondary. Osborn plays the right wide receiver spot, so he’ll be matched up against DJ Reed.
Reed is one of the most consistent corners in the NFL and he’s only allowed 2 receptions so far this season. Osborn could have a tough time getting open. Jacoby Brissett may also not have much time to throw, as 4 of New England’s starting offensive linemen are currently on the injury report. Take the Under to wrap up this card!
