An overview of the NFL Week 17 matchup between the Jets and the Patriots at MetLife Stadium:
Key Players
Patriots WR Stefon Diggs vs. Jets CB Brandon Stevens
The Patriots’ offense heavily relies on veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs. He and quarterback Drake Maye have developed a solid chemistry. This season, Diggs has tallied 76 receptions for 869 yards and three touchdowns. While his stats might not reflect the peak performance seen during his time with the Vikings and Bills, they’re still commendable for a 32-year-old.
“He’s been a top receiver for a long time,” remarked Jets coach Aaron Glenn. “His skill set hasn’t diminished since his days in Minnesota. He’s intelligent, confident, and fiercely competitive. He knows how to navigate both zone and man coverage. When you have such a seasoned player, those skills typically show up in his yardage and receptions, and he’s proven that repeatedly.”
The Jets secured Stevens with a three-year contract worth $36 million back in March, which definitely raised some eyebrows. Initially expected to play alongside Sauce Gardner, Stevens stepped up as the Jets’ top cornerback after Gardner was traded to the Colts. Though his record isn’t stellar, it remains respectable. According to Pro Football Focus, he has allowed six touchdowns this season. Like many teammates, Stevens hasn’t managed an interception and only has six pass breakups this year.
To keep the game competitive, the Jets will need to contain Diggs effectively.
Important Notes
Days of May: This offseason, the Jets are still on the hunt for a franchise quarterback. Meanwhile, the Patriots appear to have found theirs in Drake Maye, who has had two impressive seasons with MVP-worthy performances. He leads the league in completion percentage at 70.9%, amassing 3,947 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
“Confidence is crucial,” said Glenn about Maye’s progress. “He feels he can dominate, and it shows at critical moments, especially towards the end of halves or games when he wants that ball in his hands. It’s clear the team trusts him.”
Breathe 1K: Although game outcomes aren’t as significant for the Jets lately, Breece Hall is closing in on a personal milestone—his first 1,000-yard rushing season. He currently has 954 yards. While teams have focused on him more recently, hitting 46 yards this week seems achievable. Last season, Hall ended up with 994 yards due to staff miscalculations regarding the 1,000-yard mark. If he reaches it, he’ll be the first Jets running back to do so since Chris Ivory in 2015.
Yard Stop: This season, the Jets have some remarkable stats, like having no interceptions through 15 games, but they might also finish without a single 500-yard receiver for the first time since 1976. Garrett Wilson, the top receiver, is dealing with injuries and only has 395 yards this season. Mason Taylor, their next leading receiver, has 369 yards but is sidelined this week. Hall trails with 332 yards, making it tough to reach the necessary total over the last couple of games.
Unlucky 13: A loss for the Jets on Sunday would mark the fifth time in franchise history they’ve lost 13 games in a season. This year could mirror some of the worst seasons for the team, like 1995 (3-13), 1996 (1-15), 2020 (2-14), and 2021 (4-13). They can’t equal the 15-loss record from 1996, but losing to Buffalo next week could put them in the company of those past poor seasons. Additionally, they might finish with the worst point differential in team history, currently sitting at -144. It doesn’t quite reach the -214 record set in 1976, but it’s looking like it could be one of the lower outcomes historically.
Predictions
The Patriots are gearing up for the playoffs, while the Jets seem to be more focused on vacation plans. It’s tough to see how the Jets can pull off a victory here. Brady Cook’s performance as quarterback has not been reassuring, throwing just one touchdown against six interceptions. Looks like New England should have this one with ease.
Patriots 35, Jets 10
