New York Jets vs. New England Patriots: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Maybe you haven't heard, but the New York Jets and New England Patriots really don't like each other.

They are the definition of true division rivals. Whether it's on the field aggression, off the field smack-talk, or locker room material, this rivalry has it all.

Both teams have been great as of late as well, which makes things even better.

The stakes are just as high in the first regular season meeting of these two AFC East foes.

Tom Brady and the Patriots are an impressive 3-1 and have been looking almost unstoppable on offense. 

The Jets, on the other hand, have been struggling and find themselves in third place at 2-2.

Ironically enough, both teams are looking up at the Buffalo Bills right now, so if that gives you a way to judge the importance of this game, then there you go.

It's bound to be yet another hard-nosed smash-mouth game between these two bitter rivals. That usually equates to must-watch television in the NFL.

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.

When: Sunday, Oct. 9, 4:15 p.m. EST

Watch: CBS, DirecTV 714, NFL RedZone

Spread: New England Patriots -8

Anytime these two teams get together, it's bound to be a physical and close game, this is a pretty tough spread to cover.

Over/Under: 49

The Patriots could cover the over all by themselves, so this is probably a safe bet to go over on.

All Betting Information Courtesy of Bodog.com

Key Injuries:

New York Jets Did Not Practice 10/7: Wide receiver Logan Payne will not play (wrist), linebacker Bryan Thomas will not play (Achilles), linebacker Garrett McIntyre (concussion).

New England Patriots Did Not Practice 10/7: Wide receiver Julian Edelman (ankle), linebacker Jerod Mayo (knee), tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back), running back Danny Woodhead (ankle).

Fantasy Big Plays:

Wes Welker, WR Patriots: Welker is playing out of his mind good right now. He's setting record numbers, and I don't think the Jets defense will be able to slow him down.

Shonn Greene, RB Jets: For some reason, Greene just can't get things going this season. I would suggest sitting him if you're still holding on to hope, especially against the Patriots defense.

Keys to Jets Win:

Simply put, Mark Sanchez needs to do more than just manage the game. The Jets are reeling right now, and they need him to not only step up and be a leader, but they need him to make plays.

Keys to Patriots Win:

Let Tom Brady do his thing. He's on pace for an incredible year so far, so don't hold back just because he's playing a daunting defense. Brady can light up any defense he wants to, and that seems to be the formula that is working in 2011.

Prediction:

Home-field advantage seems to be the name of the game in this rivalry, but even so, the Patriots are just a better team.

Patriots: 31 Jets: 27