Thanksgiving Night Football: Patriots at Jets

The Thanksgiving Holiday is known for the three “F”s; food, family and football. On Thanksgiving Night, the New England Patriots will visit the New York Jets in a renewal of the AFC East’s biggest rivalry. The rivalry may not quite be the Red Sox-Yankees, but it has had its moments.

Remember when Bill Belichick was supposed to take over as coach of the Jets, only to turn up in New England instead. That move has resulted in the folks from the Boston area going to five Super Bowls, winning three. Ironically, their two Super Bowl losses were to the New York Giants. Of course, that only rubs even more salt into the Jets fans wounds.

There was also “Spygate”, which landed the Pats in some hot water with the NFL. That was brought on by former Patriots offensive coordinator and Belichick disciple Eric Mangini. Mangini took the Jets job and that resulted in the ending of the two men’s friendship. Mangini then turned in his former friend and boss for spying on other team’s practices. The Jets-Pats rivalry was at its nastiest. Belichick got the last word though as he is still coaching the Pats while Mangini is now an analyst on ESPN’s First Take.

Earlier this season, the two played an overtime game with the Patriots winning 29-26. The win has sent the Patriots on their way to another division title, while the Jets have slipped into mediocrity once again. The entire AFC East was tied after six weeks, but now New England has a three game lead on the field.

The Pats are now 7-3 and in the running for the best overall record in the AFC. They are coming off a very impressive win over the Indianapolis Colts 59-24. The win wasn’t all good news though as they lost Rob Gronkowski to a broken arm, suffered on the last extra point.

The Jets are coming off a much needed win over the St. Louis Rams following a week off off field turmoil surrounding backup quarterback Tim Tebow and anonymous teammates remarks about his talent, or lack of.

Oddsmaker has the Patriots -7 -115 or -310. The Jets are +7 -105 or +255. Over/under is 49.  We like the Jets +7 and the over.