Jets (6-10) at Patriots (4-12)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Patriots by 2.5
Jets’ keys to victory: The Patriots have the second-best run defense in the NFL, which means it’s going to be a tough day at the office for Jets RB Breece Hall. QB Trevor Siemian must keep the chains moving with his arm and win on critical downs. On the defensive side of the ball, it should be all about pressuring QB Bailey Zappe and giving him tight windows to throw in. The Buffalo Bills forced three interceptions in the first half when doing that in Week 17.
Patriots’ keys to victory: The Jets are the worst third-down team in the league, and the Patriots should make things even more difficult for them by dialing up pressure on defense. DT Christian Barmore is a monster up front, and DE Deatrich Wise Jr. and LB Josh Uche should aid in the fright fest the Patriots should put Siemian through. Meanwhile, Zappe has to limit the turnovers, and the Patriots offensive line needs to do a better job of giving him time to throw in the pocket.
Matchup to watch: Patriots WR DeMario Douglas vs. Jets CB Sauce Gardner. These two young players could be matching up for years to come. Douglas is the Patriots’ best receiver, and Gardner is one of the best up-and-coming corners in the league.
Who wins? The Jets have lost their past 15 games against New England. It’s hard to envision things going differently for the team considering they might be even worse than they were when these two teams met earlier in the season. The Patriots will eke out a home win.
Patriots, 20-15