New York Jets @ New England Patriots Preview and Prediction

When and where

The Pats are back at home at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough for their first divisional meeting with the Jets of the season. Patriots second primetime game of the season and first TNF game of the 2025 campaign kicks off at 8:15 pm EST and you can watch it live on Amazon Prime Video and listen on 98.5 FM The Sports Hub radio

Previous meeting and all-time record

Not the most surprising stat, but, the Pats have played the Jets 132 times including 3 postseason matchups. New England has won 75 of those games with a 75-56-1 record all time. The last game, the Pats won 25-22 on the 27th of October 2024, in Gillette Stadium, one of a few games the Pats won last year. The Jets last win in Foxborough came in the same calendar year, although at the end of the 2023 season on January 7th, 2024.

What and who to watch for

For the Jets, all eyes are on quarterback Justin Fields, who brings mobility but has struggled to make plays and produce Aaron Glenn in his first year as head coach. Fields' partnership with running back Breece Hall is vital, especially with top target Garrett Wilson sidelined due to a knee injury. Hall will be tested by a stout Patriots front seven featuring Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, K'Lavon Chaisson, Harold Landry, and linebacker Robert Spillane. Fields will look to rising targets like Adonai Mitchell and Isaiah Williams, while tight end Mason Taylor provides an option in the passing game. The Jets’ defense, adjusting to life without Sauce Gardner (traded to the Colts) and Quinnen Williams (now with the Cowboys), will rely on cornerback Brandon Stephens and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson to pressure rookie Patriots QB Drake Maye.

On the Patriots’ side, head coach Mike Vrabel is guiding his team through major injuries on offense. Quarterback Drake Maye will lean on a new-look backfield led by rookie Treveyon Henderson, as well as a receiving corps featuring veteran Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas, and electric rookie Kyle Williams. With tight end Austin Hooper and receiver Kayshon Boutte also out, look for increased roles for backup tight ends and creative play-calling from Vrabel’s staff.

Key matchups include Breece Hall against the Patriots’ defensive front and whether Maye can exploit the Jets’ retooled secondary. Both teams’ resilience and adaptability will be tested under the primetime lights. Although, the Jets have an uphill task.

Predictions and favourites

I haven't seen anyone picking the Jets here, and while I get weary when no one is picking one side, I just can't see a situation where NY does enough to come away from Foxborough with a win. The Patriots are listed as 11.5-point favorites with the over/under set at 43.5 points. I will not be edgy and pick the Jets here because they aren't going to get within a sniff of New England. My Prediction: Jets 10, Patriots 35. Go Pats!