You've probably seen some exciting matchups to start the NFL season and this Thursday is no different. To add a little extra excitement to your game day, DraftKings has a great bonus offer for new users. Simply place a $5 bet on any NFL game, and you’ll receive $250 in bonus bets, regardless of whether your bet wins or loses.
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This offer is a great way to boost your bankroll right out of the gate as you enjoy the action on the field.
One of the best ways to use this bonus is on Thursday Night Football.
The current DraftKings promo is as simple as it seems. You just need to bet $5, and you’ll receive $250 in bonus bets — instantly. These bonus bets can be spread across multiple games or wagers.
On top of that, these bonus bets don’t have to be used all at once. You can split them up and take advantage of different bets across various games, including Thursday Night Football, college football on Saturday, or even the NFL main slate games on Sunday. The options are endless.
One of the best ways to leverage this offer is by placing a bet on TNF and using the bonus bets for the rest of the weekend.
For example, you can bet on a side or the total in the Patriots vs. Jets game just to get your $5 bet on the table. Moment later you’ll have $250 in bonus bets. Then use your bonus funds for player props or other NFL matchups later in the week.
This bonus is a great way to get a head start on the NFL season without dipping too much into your own pockets.
Now, let’s turn our attention to this week’s Thursday Night Football matchup, where the Patriots visit the Jets. The AFC East is always a dogfight, and these two teams, despite early-season struggles, are known for their tough defenses. Currently, the Jets are favored by 6.5 points, with the total sitting at a low 38.5.
Both teams have been offensively challenged this season. Through the first two weeks, the Patriots and Jets rank in the bottom eight in the NFL in terms of going three-and-out, doing so on over 40% of their drives. New England holds a slight edge defensively, allowing just 5.1 yards per play (14th) compared to the Jets’ 5.4 (18th). This is shaping up to be a gritty, low-scoring affair with both teams leaning on their defenses to keep them in the game.
The Patriots have been leaning heavily on the run game. With Rhamondre Stevenson leading the way, they’ve seen some success with this approach.
Through two weeks, Stevenson has forced 13 missed tackles, leading the NFL in that category. He’s also creating plenty of yards after contact which is always welcomed. He’s averaging 3.09 per carry, which is eighth-best in the league among running backs with at least 20 attempts.
Stevenson will be key to New England’s game plan, especially against a Jets defense that has struggled to stop the run through 2 weeks. The Jets rank 30th in the NFL in yards after contact per attempt, making this an area the Patriots can exploit.
On the flip side, the Jets’ passing game has been inconsistent. Garrett Wilson has been the first read on 35% of the Jets' pass plays, but Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez has emerged as one of the top cover corners in the league.
Last week, Gonzalez limited Seattle’s DK Metcalf to just three catches for 24 yards which is quite a feat. If Gonzalez can limit Wilson’s impact, the Jets will have to rely even more on their running game.
The Jets' run game has been their most reliable offensive weapon so far. The downside is that New England ranks first in DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) against the rush. This will make it difficult for the Jets to find success even on the ground, and if they fall behind, they could struggle to close the gap.
With a 6.5-point spread and a total of just 38.5, this game is shaping up to be a slow, low-scoring grind. Here are a couple of picks you might want to consider for Thursday Night Football.
I like taking the points with the Patriots here. Despite their offensive struggles up to this point, New England’s defense should be able to keep this game relatively close if not a straight up win.
The Jets are still working out the kinks with Aaron Rodgers and company, and if the Patriots can limit Wilson’s production, they have a good chance of covering the spread.
I would take New England at +6.5, but I’d also be comfortable betting them down to +6 if needed. Check your comfort level here.
The total for this game has dropped quite a bit since opening and it’s easy to see why.
Neither offense has shown much firepower so far, and both teams have strong defenses. The Jets will likely play a slow, ball-control style of game, and the Patriots will look to grind out yards with Stevenson on the ground.
With both teams ranking high in defensive DVOA, I’d expect this game to stay under the total.
Historically, primetime games also tend to hit the under at a high rate (59.5% since 2019), which adds another layer of confidence to this bet.
So how do you make the most of that DraftKings "Bet $5, Get $250" bonus on this game?
One smart strategy is to place a $5 bet on either the Patriots +6.5 or the Under 38.5, then use your bonus bets to diversify across different outcomes.
Here are a few betting ideas for this TNF matchup—
Place your initial $5 bet on Patriots +6.5.
With your $250 in bonus bets, you could place $100 on the Under 38.5 and use the remaining $150 for a mix of player props, like betting on Stevenson to go over his rushing yards or Garrett Wilson to score a touchdown.
This way, you’re not only covering the main aspects of the game but also giving yourself a few more chances to cash in across different markets later in the game.
DraftKings’ Bet $5, Get $250 bonus is a great way to kick off your NFL betting season if you haven’t done so already. Thursday Night Football offers plenty of opportunities to use that bonus effectively.
The Patriots vs. Jets matchup may not be the most explosive game on paper, but with strong defenses and a low-scoring trend, there are plenty of betting angles to take advantage of. Use the DraftKings promo code to your advantage and start making some cash!
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