Pats Pick, Week Two: Pats at Jets

I don't like to pick week one games. Too unpredictable. You never know which of last year's doormats will come out firing on all cylinders in a new season.

Now, however, it's time to start putting some fake money where my mouth is. I will only pick Pats games, as they're the only team I follow closely enough to risk fake money on. This week: The Pats are giving six, on the road, against the Jets.

I say give the six and take the Pats. Last week was an anomaly, with the Pats coming out flat and unfocused (reminiscent of the opener against Buffalo a couple seasons ago, which was an off-key prelude to a stellar campaign). There will be no lack of focus or energy this week. Like a QB coming to life after that first big hit, the Pats have awoken. And the Jets ... are not all that good. I don't think this game will ever be in doubt.

The Pats' offense isn't quite ready to break out yet, but it will control the ball with an effective run game and some long, clock-eating drives. The Pats' defense, with Tedy Bruschi back in the mix, will be strong from the get-go. I look for this unit (barring injuries) to gel into a dominant force over the course of the season. They've found a newly reliable CB in Ellis Hobbs, a new pass-rushing threat in the resurgent Roosevelt Colvin, and of course the big three up the middle (Richard Seymour, Bruschi, Rodney Harrison) can be counted on for some smart, nasty football. Predicting exact scores is a notorious exercise in futility, but here goes: Pats 24, Jets 13. Enjoy the game!