Week 16 – New York Jets at New England Patriots *CBS 1:00pm EST*
After narrowly beating the Jets on SNF, the Patriots host them in Foxboro in Week 16.
This is not a game that the Patriots can afford to slack off in, which in most cases, they get the job done. We’ll take a look at possible seeding after this analysis is over, but let’s assume that the Patriots (because of their win over the Steelers) are the first seed in the AFC, which would be ideal. Let’s also assume the Jets are fighting for a wild card spot and need to close out their season with wins.
Regardless of the importance of the game, the Jets always play the Patriots hard, but with a playoff berth on the line, will they be able to get the job done?
Well, last season with the opportunity to be the 6th seed, all they had to do was beat Buffalo on the road, unfortunately, the Bills had different plans and Rex Ryan was the reason why the Jets did not go to the playoffs for the fifth straight season.
This game will be determined on who wants it more. These teams know each other very well, and will have another close game to to finish their regular season series.
Expect a similar gameplan that the Patriots use against strong front sevens. They will throw more than they run, though, having a pair of reliable receiving backs like Lewis and White, and shifty receivers, will help to take the pressure off of Brady.
Defensively, if the Patriots can lock down Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall, they could be in good shape, as long as they can limit the Jets from getting into the end zone. Of course, this is easier said than done, and the two former Bears are two of the league’s best for a reason.
Again, don’t expect a blow out against the Jets. Those days are over for the time being as Todd Bowles is a good head coach. It will be another close game, with the Patriots pulling away in the fourth quarter and locking up the first seed in the AFC.
Record: 12-3
Next: Week 17 - Resting Starters