NY Jets vs New England Patriots predictions: Our expert picks for Week 3 of NFL season

For the first time this season, the Jets (1-1) are back in front of their fans as they host the Patriots (1-1) on Thursday night.

Despite starting slow for a second consecutive week, Gang Green was able to recover and earn a 24-17 victory over the Titans on Sunday. It was QB Aaron Rodgers' first win in a Jets uniform, as he tossed two touchdown passes for the first time since Nov. 22, 2022 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

There's no doubt the anticipation and hype for Rodgers' return to MetLife, as he plays for the first time at home since tearing his Achilles on the fourth play from scrimmage in Week 1 last season.

Our prognosticators throughout the season are: Art Stapleton (Giants/NFL writer, NorthJersey.com), Bert Bainbridge (sports betting analyst/columnist, NorthJersey.com), Steve Edelson (columnist, APP.com), Vince Mercogliano (Rangers/NHL columnist, lohud.com), Brian Marron (digital producer, NorthJersey.com), Chris Iseman (Rutgers writer, NorthJersey.com), Bob Jordan (sports editor, Asbury Park Press/APP.com), and Dave Rivera (sports editor, USA TODAY Northeast/NorthJersey.com).

Here are the standings for our staff members heading into Week 3:

Dave Rivera, Vincent Mercogliano, Bert Bainbridge and Brian Marron: 2-0

Art Stapleton, Steve Edelson, Bob Jordan and Chris Iseman: 1-1

Art Stapleton

The pick: Jets 24, Patriots 20

Here's why: The Patriots are plucky. Jerod Mayo has them competing. But it's hard to go against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets in their home opener. I think the Jets match up well against New England here and I think the MetLife crowd will be fired up to welcome them home Thursday night.

Vincent Mercogliano

The pick: Jets 23, Patriots 13

Here's why: After overcoming a slow start to squeak out a win in Tennessee, the Jets have a chance to get on a roll. They're in the midst of a stretch in which they'll play three consecutive teams expected to finish last in their respective divisions, with the Pats fully in rebuild mode. They haven't been a pushover under new coach Jerod Mayo, but the gap in talent between New York and New England is as substantial as it's been since the 1990s.

Bert Bainbridge

The pick: Jets 27, Patriots 20

Here's why: MetLife Stadium will be rocking in Aaron Rodgers return to MetLife. The Patriots will make this a close one thanks to their efforts of running the ball as consistent as they did through the first two weeks against a likely shorthanded Jets' defense, but ultimately Gang Green will pull away to move to 2-1 for the first time since 2015.

Bob Jordan

The pick: Jets 30, Patriots 20

Here's why: MetLife in the home opener will be filled with the energy to pull Gang Green through; few remember that the Jets went on to win in overtime over Buffalo in last year's opener after Aaron Rodgers exited.

Brian Marron

The pick: Jets 27, Patriots 17

Here's why: In his first game at MetLife Stadium since last season's devastating injury, Aaron Rodgers will ball out with three touchdowns passes while Garrett Wilson finally breaks out after a slow start to this campaign.

Chris Iseman

The pick: Jets 31, Patriots 17

Here's why: You know Aaron Rodgers is going to want to deliver in front of the home crowd, and the Jets certainly looked better against the Titans than they did in Week 1. The Patriots, even in their current version, will put up a fight but the Jets will do enough to get a fairly comfortable win.

Dave Rivera

The pick: Jets 27, Patriots 13

Here's why: A much different story than what occurred in last year's home opener. Aaron Rodgers and the offense will be clicking, and the Jets' defense will feed off what should be a raucous MetLife Stadium crowd Thursday night.

Steve Edelson

The pick: Jets 24, Patriots 21

Here's why: It's the most anticipated home opener since - well, since last year. But this time Aaron Rogers makes it through the first series and the Jets' defense is stifling as the momentum begins to build for the Jets.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Jets vs New England Patriots predictions: Our expert picks for Week 3 of NFL season