The New England Patriots are staring down a pivotal Week 17 matchup with the New York Jets - and the stakes couldn’t be clearer. With the AFC East still very much in play and the Buffalo Bills breathing down their necks, the Patriots know exactly what this game means: handle business, stay healthy, and keep control of their postseason destiny.
On paper, this one tilts heavily in New England’s favor, and not just because of the standings. The Jets, sitting at 3-12, are limping into Foxborough with a roster that’s been thinned out by injuries.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, New York officially ruled out four key players: tight end Mason Taylor, defensive linemen Will McDonald and Jay Tufele, and linebacker Kiko Mauigoa. That’s a significant hit to an already struggling squad, especially on the defensive front, where depth and disruption are critical against a Patriots offense that’s found rhythm late in the year.
For the Jets, the focus has shifted from competing to simply surviving the final stretch. With no playoff hopes on the line, the priority becomes protecting young talent and evaluating pieces for the future. That’s a tough spot to be in, especially when you’re heading into a rivalry game against a team with everything to play for.
Brady Cook will be under center for New York, and while the rookie has shown flashes, asking him to go on the road and outduel a Patriots team with postseason ambitions is a tall order. The Jets’ offense has struggled to find consistency all season, and without some of their key contributors, the challenge only grows steeper.
New England, meanwhile, isn’t coming in at full strength either. They’ve ruled out several important players of their own, but the expectation remains the same: win, and win convincingly. This is the kind of game good teams don’t let slip - especially not with the division title still hanging in the balance.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, and while the Patriots won’t be taking anything for granted, the path is clear.
Beat the Jets, stay healthy, and set up a high-stakes finish to the regular season. The margin for error is razor-thin, and with Buffalo lurking, every snap matters.