The New England Patriots are running roughshod over the National Football League and they take a dominant defense and a 6-0 record on the road to face their AFC East rivals, the New York Jets.
The Jets may be feeling a little more hopeful after starting quarterback Sam Darnold returned last week and guided the team to its first win of the season but the Jets have allowed 60 more points than they have scored through five games while the Patriots have allowed just 48 points in six games on the way to scoring 123 more points than the opposition.
Does post-mono Sam Darnold have what it takes to upset the Patriots, or at least move the ball against what has been a stifling defense? Is Tom Brady going to wreck the Jets in a primetime game?
Here are some angles to consider when making Monday night prop picks on Monkey Knife Fight.
Editor's Note: Here's a great special offer for all RotoBaller readers from our Monkey Knife Fight friends: New AND Existing Player Bonus. All players receive a 100% matched signup or reload bonus up to $50 with code 'RBNFL19'. Sign up and deposit, and use our prop picks to get off on a winning foot!
NEW ENGLAND-N.Y. JETS
OVER/UNDERS
Tom Brady UNDER 291.5 PASSING YARDS – This is a pretty big number even for an all-time great like Brady. His season average is 290.5 passing yards per game and he’s facing a Jets team that is giving up 262.2 passing yards per game, which ranks in the bottom third of the league. As an AFC East opponent, the Jets are obviously a team with which Brady is very familiar and yet the last time he threw for more than 292 yards at the Jets was 2012. He has thrown for more than 291 yards twice in his past 13 games against the Jets.
Sam Darnold UNDER 223.5 PASSING YARDS – It would come as no surprise if the Patriots were to make life miserable for the Jets quarterback but he’s also likely to be throwing a lot since the Jets will almost assuredly be trailing. Darnold looked good passing for 338 yards against the Cowboys last week but this Patriots Defense, allowing an average of 161 passing yards per game which ranks second in the league, is going to present a more significant challenge.
James White OVER 13.5 FANTASY POINTS – The quietly consistent contributor in the Pats’ backfield, White has averaged 57.2 yards from scrimmage per game, along with 6.2 receptions per game. That alone isn’t enough to cover the number but a touchdown or a few more catches would bring that into play.
Jamison Crowder UNDER 12.5 FANTASY POINTS – Averaging 5.6 receptions and 55.2 yards from scrimmage per game, Crowder has not scored a touchdown and, this might be a bit repetitive, but going against the Patriots defense is not a place to start looking to exceed production averages.
Julian Edelman UNDER 6.5 RECEPTIONS – Edelman is dealing with a chest injury, and that does present a possible issue for Monday night, and he has put up seven or more catches visiting the Jets just twice in his career (in seven games) but he does have at least seven receptions in three of the past four games and the Patriots are going to need Edelman to lead the passing attack. They don’t have a reliable option at tight end and with Josh Gordon out, it’s basically Edelman and Philip Dorsett at wide receiver so that should mean a lot of looks for Edelman.
RAPID FIRE
Julian Edelman -27.5 receiving yards vs. Robby Anderson – By the averages, this would present a bit of an edge for Anderson but the averages also include Anderson’s 92-yard touchdown last week. Presuming that he won’t be doing that on a regular basis, let’s expect Edelman to be significantly more productive.
Sony Michel -10.5 rushing yards vs. Le’Veon Bell – Despite some inconsistency, Michel is now averaging 58.0 rushing yards per game, which is a little more than Bell’s average of 51.2, but the game circumstances should dictate that the Patriots will likely be in the lead and more inclined to run out the clock, which gives Michel the edge. Sometimes it’s the circumstances that carry the day.
More Weekly DFS Analysis