Predictions: New England Patriots Top New York Jets

Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback

Tom Brady

(12) throws the ball against the New York Jets during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots will square off with the New York Jets on Sunday in the Meadowlands. New England has already sealed up the AFC East for the sixth straight season. New York on the other hand has been down and out all season, but they did give the Patriots a run for their money earlier this year at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won that game 27-25.

All eyes will be focused on Rex Ryan as it will likely be his final game coaching opposite the Patriots and Bill Belichick. Belichick has for the most part has owned the Jets since Ryan took over. Over the years though, Ryan has orchestrated several hard-fought battles, even coming up with a few big victories.

The Patriots are a bit banged up. Julian Edelman, LeGarrette Blount and Kyle Arrington have all been ruled out of the game with various injuries. With that being said, will Ryan be able take advantage of a beat up Patriots squad? Or will the Jets get steamrolled by Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and company?

We have those answers for you. Here’s how the Chowder and Champions staff see this weekend’s tilt playing out…

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Matthew Rewinski’s Prediction

If predicting a game that isn’t a blowout is considered a bold prediction, then, well, consider this a bold prediction. New England has been playing with a vengeance lately, leaving a path of busted playoff dreams and blown coverages in their wake, and the Jets have imploded into a pile of hubris and frustration.

That being said, this will be a close game. Why? Because, as recent history shows, it pretty much always is. Since 2011, there’s only been two games between New York and New England that have been decided by 10 or more points.

Somewhat amusingly, what’s worked well for the Jets in the past is still working well for them, to an extent. They’re still running the ball well – New York is second overall in the NFL in rushing, just a few yards in front of Dallas. New York is also ranked fourth overall in rushing defense, ahead of Seattle and Arizona, which makes all kinds of sense when coach Rex Ryan’s pedigree as a defensive coordinator is taken into account.

Unfortunately for New York, this game comes at precisely the time of year where Tom Brady and his rejuvenated passing offense smell blood in the water. In what you might as well call Brady’s “Don’t Call It a Comeback” season, New England will more than likely pick on New York’s paper-thin secondary just like Aaron Rodgers picked on Logan Ryan at Lambeau Field a few weeks ago. Expect a similar game plan to the one offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels employed against Detroit’s fearsome front earlier this year. It’ll be crucial to get the ball out of Brady’s hands to keep him clean.

Bottom line – the Patriots should wrap this one up. But it won’t be the kind of blowout that’ll make you want to turn it off and make cookies at halftime.

Final Score: New England 24, New York 14

Dylan Smith’s Prediction

The Patriots need to hold the Jets from running the ball like they did in their last matchup. If you remember last time these two teams met, the Jets held the ball for over 40 minutes of game time thanks in large part to the running game. Therefore containing that will be a big key for the Patriots this Sunday.

They’ll also have to be prepared for almost anything since in all likelihood this will be Rex Ryan’s last game coaching with the Jets against the Patriots. We all know how Rex came in his first few years trying to dethrone the Patriots. With his team out of the playoff hunt and his tenure as Jets coach all but finalized, don’t be surprised if Rex throws the kitchen sink at the Patriots.

Final Score: New England 24, New York 10

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Frank O’Laughlin’s Prediction

Given the Jets recent play, I’m predicting a Patriots beat-down in this contest. Now I’m well aware that the Jets have the ability to control the clock with their run game and stuff the run with their defensive stalwarts up front, but that’s not going to happen Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium.

If there’s one thing Bill Belichick stresses, it’s finishing off the regular-season strong, and with only one game left following this tilt, the Patriots will be looking to fine tune what already is a well-oiled machine.

Jonas Gray is set to assume the feature back role with LeGarrette Blount sidelined. He’s been by far New England’s most effective runner. Expect him to hit the holes hard and with an attitude as the youngster will be looking to prove to Belichick that he is indeed the man in their backfield. Rob Gronkowski will play big role in opening up running room with his physical play. As opposed to last time out, New England will control the clock in this game, forcing Rex Ryan to watch in misery.

Vince Wilfork, Sealver Siliga, Chris Jones and Alan Branch have played well along the interior defensive line in recent games. I look for them to force numerous disruptions in the trenches while forcing Geno Smith to take to the air. If Smith has to rely on the pass, this game could get ugly. Chandler Jones, Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Akeem Ayers will make his life a living nightmare, allowing the secondary to ballhawk all day.

Ryan’s ability to challenge the Patriots over the years and keep games close is well documented, but this isn’t your average Patriots team. They’re arguably the most talented team and in my eyes the best team in the NFL. They’ve built up an unrivaled amount of confidence. Brady and company have something to prove this season. The Jets will be just another victim on a long list of clubs who have endured New England’s wrath this year.

Final Score: New England 31, New York 13

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