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Five bold predictions for the Patriots in key AFC East matchup

By Fran Brown

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 24: Jonnu Smith #81 of the New England Patriots looks to avoid a tackleafter a catch during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 24: Jonnu Smith #81 of the New England Patriots looks to avoid a tackleafter a catch during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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A bit of a down week as I only went 2-3 in my bold predictions last week, but I did hit on a big one, predicting that we would see both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe get playing time. The other one I got right was that the Patriots would sack Justin Fields at least three times and thanks to Matthew Judon, we had that by halftime. Rhamondre Stevenson could only find the endzone once, Tyquan Thornton only came down with one grab despite being targeted five times and while Justin Fields did most of his damage on the ground, he was able to get over 150 yards passing.

This week the Patriots head to New Jersey for a key AFC East matchup with the 5-2 Jets. Here are my five bold predictions for what might happen during the game.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 18: Jonnu Smith #81 of the New England Patriots against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 18: Jonnu Smith #81 of the New England Patriots against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Five bold predictions for the Patriots in week eight

Jonnu Smith scores a touchdown

The Patriots gave Jonnu Smith a large contract after he came off a career year in 2020 when he caught eight touchdowns as a member of the Tennessee Titans. In 22 games as a Patriot, Smith has exactly one touchdown and that came in week four of last season. So we have an 18 game (19 including playoffs) streak without a touchdown from Smith. Not a good return on investment.

I think this week provides Smith an opportunity to breakthrough and find the end zone. The Jets secondary is quite strong but they have given up the fifth most receptions (42) to tight ends this season. If the wide receivers are taken out, I think Mac Jones can find Smith in the red zone for a score.

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