Kickoff: The Patriots host the Jets in the season finale and what could also be Bill Belichick’s last game as head coach. Both teams are coming off of losses last week. The Jets lost to the Browns while the Patriots lost to the Bills, 27-21.

Here are four keys to the game for the Patriots.

1st Down: Deal with the weather: The weather will be an issue as the region will be blanked by several inches of snow overnight. Ball security and footing are two things that could be impacted by the weather. Both teams will have to deal with the conditions, however the team that deals with them the best, wins.

2nd Down: Ball control: Both teams will look to establish the running game early. The team that runs the hall the best will be well positioned to win this game. The passing game will be limited. Connecting on the three-step passes and play-action passes will be the best way to throw in this game.

3rd Down: Control the line of scrimmage defensively: Breece Hall might get 30 touches in this game. The Patriots front seven will have to control the line of scrimmage and get the Jets into second and third and long situations. Make Trevor Siemian beat you. 

4th Down: Ignore the noise: This could be Bill Belichick’s last game but the Patriots cannot and will not get caught up in the moment. They will come to play and take care of business in a game that could be emotional as Belichick’s future as head coach hangs in the balance.

Extra Point: The Patriots lead the series, 74-54-1 overall. They are 39-25-1 all-time in home games against the Jets, including 19-4 at Gillette Stadium.

Overall, the Patriots have 23 series sweeps over the Jets with 14 under Bill Belichick and 16 under Robert Kraft.

Final Drive: The Patriots are in a conundrum. Win and they probably drop one to two spots in the draft order. Lose and they end up with at least the third pick of April’s draft. None of that will matter to Belichick and the players. They are going to play to win and I think they will. If this is in fact Belichick’s last game as Patriots coach, he will go out a winner.