How to watch the Patriots vs. Jets Week 3 game: TV, betting info

For what seemed like an eternity, the New England Patriots ruled the AFC East. This meant that teams like the New York Jets, for the most part, had to endure two ugly losses every year, as well as the inability to come close to a division title.

However, with Tom Brady out of the picture, the Pats have fallen in the standings. And with Aaron Rodgers on the Jets roster, it seemed like Gang Green had a chance for revenge.

But when the two teams meet in Week 3, Rodgers won’t be on the field. Instead, it will be Zach Wilson under center.

What impact will this have on this Sunday’s match? And, at the most basic level, how can you watch the game?

Let’s break it down.

How to watch the Patriots vs. Jets

When NFL schedule makers sat down to sketch out the season, they probably circled New England’s trip to New York on the calendar. And even though a major injury changed the circumstances of the match, he still occupies a special place in broadcasts.

When the AFC East rivals take the field at 1 p.m. ET, CBS will broadcast the action. The network’s top duo, Jim Nantz and Tony Romo, will be on the call to talk about the hype Rodgers brought to this game.

And if you want to connect, even with #8 sidelined, there are still a variety of options. Those outside of CBS markets can stream the game via NFL+, FuboTV or YouTube TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket. Fans in the market can catch the action on Paramount+.

Can the Patriots win a game against an easier foe?

Since the start of the new millennium, the New England Patriots have become one of the best franchises in the NFL. But these days, fortunes are a little different.

The club has not made the playoffs since 2021, and the 2023 campaign began with two losses. And while there are some mitigating factors – the Eagles and Dolphins are both tough opponents, and New England hasn’t played too badly in either game – the standings are still 0-2.

It would be extremely naive to suggest that Pats coach Bill Belichick’s job is on the line, but how the campaign plays out will always shape the club’s future. The franchise is no longer in dynasty mode. Is this a team that, with some improvement, can contend for a playoff spot? Or is it finally time to tear things down and start rebuilding?

A game against the Jets alone won’t provide that answer, but it could start to connect the dots. New York’s defense will test Pats quarterback Mac Jones’ ability to handle the heat, not to mention his understanding of Pats offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s principles. And, given a Jets offense without Rodgers, we’ll see if the Pats defense can really turn things around.

The answers to these questions will tell us where this team currently stands. And that, in turn, will help illuminate the way forward.

Can Wilson and the Jets’ offense perform?

At this point, we know New York’s defense can take care of business. But ultimately you have to score points to win soccer matches.

This is where Zach Wilson comes in.

You can excuse the QB’s questionable outing in Week 1. He couldn’t have expected Rodgers to go down, and getting into an emotional affair isn’t easy. His Week 2 outing — 12-of-27 passing for 170 yards, with one touchdown and three interceptions — wasn’t much better, but the Cowboys defense shut out the Giants a week earlier.

Now, Wilson will face the Patriots. Their defensive unit is solid, but New England still gave up 49 points in the first two games of the season.

To that end, New York’s offense simply must find ways to move the ball and put points on the board. The defense can carry the water, but ultimately Wilson and his peers have to take care of business.

A rivalry game against a tough but human Patriots defense is the perfect time to prove they can do just that. If they can’t, Rodgers’ absence will become bigger and bigger.

Patriots vs. Jets Betting Line, Over/Under

When considering a Mac Jones vs. Zach Wilson quarterback matchup, the Week 3 matchup looks both disappointing and balanced. It seems like punters agree with the second part of that equation.

As of Tuesday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Patriots as a narrow 2.5-point favorite. The over/under is set at 37 points, which suggests this one should be a defensive struggle rather than a shootout.