Key matchups to watch as Patriots take on Jets for playoff positioning

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 30: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets throws the ball during the second half against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 30: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets throws the ball during the second half against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 30: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots celebrates an interception during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 30: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots celebrates an interception during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Key matchups for the Patriots in week eleven

Patriots safeties vs Tyler Conklin

Garrett Wilson gets a lot of the attention on the Jets offense, especially now that they will be without wide receiver Corey Davis again on Sunday, but Conklin is the one who really hurt the Patriots the last time out. Safety Kyle Dugger was inactive for the first meeting and Conklin took advantage with six receptions (on a team-high 10 targets) for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Both of those touchdowns came against second year safety Joshua Bledsoe so maybe things would have been different with Dugger out there.

Conklin provides Zach Wilson a large target and has become somewhat of a security blanket as five of his six receptions in week eight went for first downs. The Patriots have struggled mightily with opposing tight ends so far this season, especially in the red zone as they have surrendered a league-high seven touchdowns to tight ends. The Patriots are hoping that the return of Dugger has the same impact on defense as the return of Andrews hopefully has on offense.