Storyline: The Patriots will square off against the Jets for the first time this season. New England will be looking to avenge last season’s Week 16 loss to the Jets which ultimately cost them home field throughout the playoffs.
Here our five keys to the game.
1. Get off to a Better Start Than Last Week: The Patriots were sluggish out of the gate against the 49ers last week. They need to get off to a much better start this week against a Jets defense that has severely underperformed thus far this season.
2. Get Gronk Involved Early: Gronk is back after missing last week’s game with a chest injury. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels must get Gronkowski involved early by calling pass plays in which he is the primary target.
3. Book a Trip to Revis Island: Former Patriot Darrelle Revis has had a tough season and he is clearly getting old. The Patriots must target him early and often, especially inside the 30. He’s not the player he once was, so go after him!
4. Butler on Marshall: Aside from Brandon Marshall, the Jets don’t have a lot of weapons to worry about. The Patriots should lock up Malcolm Butler on Brandon Marshall and bring pressure.
Outside of Matt Forte, New York doesn’t have a skill player that should scare Bill Belichick and Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia.
5. Bring the Heat! The Jets have struggled in pass pro all season long. The Patriots have to exploit that fact by bringing consistent pressure. Get after Ryan Fitzpatrick and force him into mistakes!
Prediction: Patriots 31 Jets 17: The Jets are not very good. The Patriots should win this game and improve to 9-2 on the season. If this game is remotely close, the Patriots didn’t show up.