Line: Patriots by -9.5

Opening Kickoff: The Patriots travel to MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Jets. The two teams are playing on Monday Night Football for the second consecutive year. The Patriots beat the Jets 33-0 last season in New York.

The two teams are meeting on Monday Night Football for the ninth time in the history of the program. The Patriots are 4-4 in Monday Night Football games against New York, including 2-2 on the road.

The Patriots lead the series, 67-54-1 overall. They are 31-29 all-time against the Jets on the road, including a 7-3 record at MetLife Stadium.

The Patriots swept the Jets last season for the 20th time in franchise history. New England has swept the season series from the Jets four straight years and 11 times in the Belichick era.

Here are three offensive and defensive keys for the Patriots in this game.

3 Offensive Keys

1. Pass Protection: Pass pro will be key tonight as the Jets pressure as much as any team the Patriots have played this season. Communication and identifying pressure pre-snap will be important for Cam Newton and the offensive line.

2. Build off of last week: The Patriots offense came to life last week in the second half against the Bills. New England needs to carry that performance over to this game. Getting off to a good start tonight offensively is key.

3. Consistent Cam: Cam Newton needs to be consistent throwing the ball. He needs to get into a rhythm early. If he does, the Patriots passing game will be tough to stop.

3 Defensive Keys

1. Control the line of scrimmage: It won’t be easy with Lawrence Guy and J’Whaun Bentley out but the Patriots must control the line of scrimmage. The Jets cannot establish Frank Gore and Lamical Perine. If they do, the Patriots front seven is in for a long night.

2. Bring the heat: The Patriots need to bring consistent pressure against Joe Flacco. They cannot allow him to get comfortable in the pocket because if he does, he can pick the Patriots secondary apart.

3. Make key stops: The Patriots have to get off the field in key situations in this game. They didn’t do it last week and it cost them. They must do it tonight. Don’t allow them to hang around.

Final Prediction: Patriots 24 Jets 17: I expect this to be a tight game but the Patriots are the better team even with their injuries. Newton will play well and the Patriots will get a much needed win.