The New England Patriots (10-5) look to clinch the No. 2 seed in the AFC as they go up against the New York Jets (4-11) at Gillette Stadium Sunday afternoon.
The end of the NFL regular season is here, and the New England Patriots hope to finish an up and down season on a high note by taking care of business against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.
Unlike regular-season finales of the past, the Patriots have something to play for in this one and should come out very focused against a New York Jets team with not much to play for except their pride.
With a win, the New England Patriots can wrap up the No.2 seed in the AFC along with a first-round bye. A loss and a Houston Texans win could have the Patriots playing on Wild Card Weekend for the first time in forever. That’s why Tom Brady knows his team has to finish the season strong with 60 minutes of solid football.
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"“I think playing well this week has been the focus, and anything beyond that, we haven’t even talked about for good reason,” Brady said during his press conference Friday. “I would say it’s tough to win a game and this is a tough one and we’ve got to focus on this one hundred percent, which we have, and just be prepared to go out and play our best. I think a good 60-minute game is still out there for us and that’s what we’re working to do and this would be a good time to do it.”"
In order to accomplish this, the Patriots’ defense will need to have another solid game. Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold has a lot of talent so the focus will be on containing him and not allowing him to gain any confidence inside or outside the pocket.
The Patriots also need to continue building on their running game behind the solid running of Sony Michel. If they establish the run early, it should open up things for Tom Brady and the passing game. It will be key for the team to get Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett and Rob Gronkowski some confidence catching the ball going into the playoffs.
How to watch New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
Location: Gillette Stadium Foxborough, MA
Kickoff: Sunday, December 30, 2018 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: CBS (Check local listings)
Streaming: fuboTV
Week 17 Prediction:
The New England Patriots will still have something to play for this week against the New York Jets. Not only could they wrap up the No. 2 seed in the AFC and a first-round bye, with a little help they could also secure the top seed in the AFC.
Going up against a Jets team expected to fire head coach Todd Bowles following the game, the Patriots should put this one away early, especially if Tom Brady comes out firing and hitting his targets.
Even if Brady is hot coming out of the gates, I do expect a more balanced offensive attack from the Patriots. There will be a high dosage of Sony Michel in this game. I also expect a couple forced turnovers by the Patriots’ defense as rookie quarterback Sam Darnold will struggle at times, as do most rookie quarterbacks that go up against Bill Belihcick for the first time.
It will only be against the New York Jets, but the New England Patriots will end the regular season on a high note by playing a solid all-around game. They end the season at 11-5 with a 34-10 victory over the Jets.