The Patriots will look to get back on track against their division foe Sunday.
New England Patriots (3-3) vs New York Jets (3-3)
When, where: Gillette Stadium, Sunday at 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Last time out: Nov. 13, 2011: patriots 37, Jets 16; Oct. 9, 2011: Patriots 30, Jets 21.
Series history: Patriots hold a 53-52-1 edge.
Spread: Patriots by 10.5
5 things to watch
Dennard or Arrington: Staring cornerback Kyle Arrington found himself on the bench last week, replaced by rookie Alfonzo Dennard, after allowing a pair of big receptions early in the game. But it may not be a hard decision at all. In two games this season, Dennard has allowed receptions on 12 targets (25 percent). Arrington, meanwhile, has allowed 22 catches on 27 targets (81.5), according to Pro Football Focus. Whether or not all of those receptions are solely his fault, that type of rate signifies a problem.
Running game: The Jets are allowing an average of 150 rushing yards per game, so this would seem to be an advantageous time to recover some of the balance on offense that was lost last week against the Seahawks. Brandon Bolden has already been ruled out with a knee injury, so look for Stevan Ridley to get the bulk of the carries.
Brady in the fourth: If the spread proves true, the fourth quarter shouldn't matter. But if Vegas is off the mark, Tom Brady is going to need to be on it. The Patriots quarterback has been his usual self early in games, but he's struggled in the clutch, completing just 35 percent of his passes with a passer rating of 67.3 in the fourth quarter when the score is within seven points.
Tebow: While there's probably still too much talk about New York backup quarterback and personal punt protector Tim Tebow, he is still someone that has to be accounted for. He runs well and can pass better than most skill position players taking direct snaps. On those few occasions when the Jets roll him out there for Wildcat plays, the Patriots have to be ready for everything or they be burnedt. There has also been some talk about using Tebow as a running back this week, so look out for that if it happens.
Adjustments: Last season aside, the Jets typically find interesting and effective ways to slow down New England's high-powered offense. This game is going to come down to adjustments, and the side that makes the better ones should win.
Prediction: The Patriots are struggling a little bit, mostly late in games, and the Jets have managed to overachieve. But not all 3-3 teams are created equal, and New York should be forced to learn that lesson this week. This one looked like a lopsided win as soon as Darrelle Revis went down with an ACL injury in Week 3, but now the Patriots have something to prove after suffering an embarrassing loss to the Seahawks last week. Brady on a mission? That's a scary thought for any defense. Patriots 31, Jets 23.