Pats Preview: Pats @ Jets

As the New England Patriots get set for their Week 16 divisional showdown with the New York Jets, here are some pregame thoughts:

Lock It Up- A win in this game would lock up the number one seed in the AFC for New England. They currently sit in the top spot, with just two losses, and while it seems extremely likely that they will end the regular season as the top team, the Bengals and Broncos are still mathematically alive.

Get Healthy?- The Patriots have a number of question marks, in terms of health, heading into Sunday. It has been reported by ESPN that wide receivers Danny Amendola (knee) and Julian Edelman (left foot) and safetys Devin McCourty (ankle) and Patrick Chung (foot) are all out for tomorrow. The team's starting linebacker Dont'a Hightower re aggravated a knee injury last week and had to leave the game in the second half. He is so important to the team's defense, that it might be wise to sit him out this week to further ensure his health for postseason play. All in all, the Pats have 10 players listed as either questionable, doubtful or out for this Sunday.

Third Time's A Charm- New England announced today that they have resigned wide receiver Chris Harper to the active roster for the third time this year. Harper started the season on the initial 53-man roster but was released and signed to the practice squad after week one. He was resigned to the active roster following the team's Week 10 win over the New York Giants, to fill the void created by Edelman's injury, then was released following the team's first loss of the season at Denver in which he muffed a punt that opened the flood gates for a Bronco comeback. He's presumably back now, because of his familiarity with the playbook, as he's been with the team all season long. The fact that Amendola will also miss this week's game left the team with only three receivers on the active roster. One of the three, Leonard Hankerson, was recently picked up off the waiver wire. While head coach Bill Belichick seemed pleased to be able to snag him this late in the season, Hankerson was released so the team could add the more ready-to-go Harper. It seems Hankerson had struggled to get a strong enough grip on the team's intricate playbook, leading to the decision.

Back In The Game- After sitting out most of the season, 11-year veteran Steven Jackson signed a one-year deal to join the injury plagued New England backfield on Monday. The former pro bowler practiced each day this week and looks ready to see at least limited action on Sunday against the Jets. He'll most likely split reps with rookie back Joey Iosefa on running downs, while second year back James White handles the bulk of the passing down duties. Veteran back Brandon Bolden will also probably get some snaps in the backfield as well, though not as man y as the 29 he received last week as the team values his contributions to multiple special teams units over his offensive abilities.

Stopping The Pass Attack- The Patriots' top defensive challenge this week will most likely be limiting the Jets passing attack with their two top receivers, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. In the first meeting between the teams in Week 7, the two combined for 10 catches on 19 targets for 161 yards, but no scores. So while they caught over 50 percent of the passes sent their way, New England cornerbacks Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler did their job by keeping the dynamic duo out of the end zone. They'll have to do much of the same work this week, to help the Patriots take another win over New York.

Run Game- The Patriots defeated the Jets 30-23 in Week 7, mainly through the use of a multifaceted passing attack. In fact, New England only ran the ball nine times in that first match up for just 16 total yards, with quarterback Tom Brady leading the charge with 15 yards on four carries. They'll need to employ a better running effort this week, as their passing game has taken a hit due to injuries. Guys like Jackson and Iosefa will likely be called on to carry the ball in between the tackles a number of times to help the Pats pull out a win.

Prediction- This Jets team is much better than in years past and they have their hearts set on a wild card spot. To snag one, they'll need to run the table taking each of their last two games and then get some help from other teams, so expect them to come out with a real purpose tomorrow. Their defense is one of the top units in the league and will most likely push the limited Patriots offense to the brink to find ways to score. New England's defense is also extremely capable of slowing down the Jets, however. The game should be a very close battle that ends in a single digit difference. With all things considered, I think you've got to think the Patriots defense will be able to slow up the Jets more than New York's defense can silence Brady and company. Pats-23, Jets-20