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New York Jets: Game-by-game predictions for 2018

By Michael Pallas

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 02: Cornerback Trumaine Johnson , shown last season against the Arizona Cardinals, intercepted Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in the first quarter Saturday night. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 02: Cornerback Trumaine Johnson , shown last season against the Arizona Cardinals, intercepted Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in the first quarter Saturday night. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 21: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans throws a pass in the first quarter of a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 21: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans throws a pass in the first quarter of a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Week 17: at New England Patriots

You would think a season-ending game against the Patriots would be meaningless, but this game will mean a lot for both teams. The Jets enter this game 10-5, and the Patriots come in 11-4.

Since the Jets won the earlier matchup, that means this game is for the AFC East title. If the Patriots win, they also get the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye.  A Jets win not only gives them the AFC East, but it sets up a Wild Card Round matchup with the Patriots.

This game won’t be about who’s better between Sam Darnold and Tom Brady, because it’s not a fair comparison in 2018. This game will come down to who has the ball last, and it may be the first signature moment in the career of Darnold.

Last season was a struggle for the Patriots on defense, and it reared its ugly head in the Super Bowl. It was so bad that even Tom Brady couldn’t climb out of the hole they dug. It won’t be quite that bad, but going into the final drive the Jets will trail 34-28.

Next. Biggest camp battle for all 32 teams. dark

The Jets will attack the weak link of the Patriots defense — the secondary — with their four-headed wide receiver monster and move down the field. They will get in range, and Darnold will hit Quincy Enunwa for the game-winning and division winning touchdown.

Final Score

Jets 35, Patriots 34

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