Andrew Ortenberg
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The 2021 NFL season got underway last week with an epic Week 1. Now we’ll be treated to another full slate this coming Sunday. An interesting divisional game featuring two rookie quarterbacks will take place here as the New York Jets host the New England Patriots. What better way to make this AFC East rivalry game even more exciting than by betting a same game parlay? We also have thoughts on the side and total for every Week 2 matchup, of course, which you can view in our NFL picks tab.
New England Patriots -5.5 (-120)
Damien Harris to score a first-half touchdown (+260)
Mac Jones over 240.5 passing yards (-114)
Same Game Parlay odds: +960
We have a 3-leg same game parlay which pays out just shy of 10/1 with FanDuel Sportsbook. Let’s break it down:
New England Patriots -5.5 (-120)
The Patriots should win this one big. New York looked woefully unprepared to play NFL football last week, and then a slew of key players got hurt. Stud left tackle Mekhi Becton, arguably their best offensive player, went down with a knee injury. Zach Wilson was already running for his life and took six sacks against the Panthers, and now his protection will be even worse. Lamarcus Joyner, one of the Jets’ only experienced players in the secondary, is now out for the season.
Even their punter managed to get hurt. The Patriots lost to the Dolphins in Week 1, but they shouldn’t have. They held Miami to less than 250 yards of total offense, and would’ve emerged victorious if not for two fluke lost fumbles. New England’s defense showed very well, as did Mac Jones in his first career start. If the Jets can make Sam Darnold look great, which they did last week, Jones should be just fine.
Damien Harris to score a first-half touchdown (+260)
This play correlates strongly with the first leg of our same game parlay. New York’s run defense is vulnerable, and if the Pats are going to cover -5.5 then they’ll probably have scored a couple of first half touchdowns. Harris emerged as the clear and undisputed top dog in the Pats’ backfield in Week 1, notching 23 carries. If he sees that kind of volume again, then getting +260 on a first-half touchdown is a steal. Harris was able to get to 100 yards last week against a Miami defense that is infinitely more talented than this New York one.
Mac Jones over 240.5 passing yards (-114)
Similar thought process here, and this one also correlates with the first leg of our same game parlay. Jones looked comfortable against Miami, and he’ll have a much easier task here. The loss of Joyner is huge for a Jets pass defense that is relying on a bunch of young UDFA types. Just last week, the Jets let Darnold throw for 279 yards. To put that in context, Darnold hadn’t thrown for more than 270 yards in any of his previous 17 starts.
As such, I really like Jones’ chances of getting to 240. He passed for 281 last week against the Dolphins, and Miami’s starting corners are Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. Arguably the best duo in the league. The Jets’ starting corners are Bryce Hall (2020 fifth-rounder) and Brandin Echols (rookie sixth-rounder). Exactly.
What is a Same Game Parlay?
Check out our guide on what is a same game parlay and where can I bet it?
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