Prediction: The Jets games against the Patriots are always close affairs the past few years and this one should be no different. Both teams are jockeying for position in the playoffs and each needs this game; the Jets to get in the playoffs, and the Patriots to win the #1 seed. So this one will have playoff intensity all over it.
The Jets will look to stay balanced with Ivory running the ball and opening things up in the passing game. Look for them to put Marshall in motion more this time and run him out of the slot where he’s been effective. As much as Fitzpatrick has been better at throwing the ball this season, the Patriots plan is to make him throw it 45+ times because if they can make the Jets a one-dimensional team, they should be better shape to slow down the Jets offense.
For the Patriots, the absence of Edelman and Amendola will hurt the quick passing offense although Martin has performed well in flashes thus far. Brandon LaFell will be looked to more and should be much more effective than in October where he had six drops in his first action of the season. The Jets will probably put their focus on stopping Rob Gronkowski so the other players will have to step up.
Brady will look to White early and often in this one; it will be intriguing to see how much the Pats get newcomers Steven Jackson and Leonard Hankerson involved in this one. This will be a defensive struggle and can easily go either way but with Brady at the helm, the Patriots will get just enough offense Sunday to beat a very much improved Jets team. Patriots 23-21
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
