Jets (2-13) at Patriots (6-9)
Sunday, 1 ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line: Patriots by 31⁄
2
Jets’ keys to victory: It’s strange to think a Jets team, especially one with a record this bad, could have some advantages over a Patriots defense. But that’s how far New England has fallen in 2020. Just about every team that runs on the Patriots has success. So that’s where New York should start, with RBs Ty Johnson and Frank Gore. The next element for the Jets will be eliminating turnovers. New England’s offense is very predictable. It’s based on the running game and the screen game, and that’s about it. The Patriots have one touchdown in their last 12 quarters.
Patriots’ keys to victory: The Jets don’t defend the run well, which plays right to New England’s strengths. When these teams played earlier this season, RB Damien Harris averaged 5.1 yards per carry. But New York’s secondary looks stronger than it did in the first meeting, when Cam Newton was 27 of 35 for 274 yards. A takeaway or two would also help the Patriots’ chances. New England’s run defense looks as if it’s beyond repair, but edge rusher can help ensure Darnold sees the same ghosts he did in 2019.
Matchup to watch: Jets CB Javelin Guidry vs. Patriots WR Jakobi Meyers. You may not have heard of either, but this matchup will be key in determining whether the Patriots’ passing offense can move the ball. Meyers has been very productive as the team’s top option in the slot. Guidry has done a nice job as the nickel back.
Who wins? The Jets are pesky, but they’re not going to close the season with three straight wins. Patriots 17-14