Previewing New England’s Week 6 Matchup vs. the New York Jets | Patriots Roundtable Podcast

The New England Patriots (3-2) resume AFC East divisional play this Sunday, as they get set to welcome the rival New York Jets (2-3) to Foxboro for their first of two matchups this fall. New England swept New York in the series last year and have amassed a record of 21-5 against the Jets at Gillette Stadium, but this year promises to bring new challenges.

On today’s episode of the Patriots Roundtable Podcast, hosts Eddie Marotta and Tyler Geis preview New England’s second consecutive home contest — examining matchups that could swing the game’s result, keys to victory on both sides of the football, and predicting the game’s outcome. 

Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense enter Sunday’s showdown with their confidence at an all-time high. After beating the Buffalo Bills in fourth quarter comeback fashion at Highmark Stadium, New England was dominant against the  Las Vegas Raiders last weekend, winning 45-17 in a game they controlled throughout. Led by an explosive passing offense, Maye shined with 374 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and a rushing score, and a passer rating of 150.9.

Maye registered consecutive games with three-plus passing touchdowns for the first time in his career, and his five total touchdowns tied a career-best mark — the other occurring against New York in Week 17 of last season. In that game, Maye also set a career-high in passer rating (157.0), completing 19-of-21 attempts with 256 yards, and engineered touchdown drives on all six possessions he was on the field for — before being pulled in the third quarter amidst a 42-10 blowout win. The Patriots will look to carry their previous success against the Jets, and in recent weeks this fall, into this Sunday’s contest.

On the defensive side of the ball, New England may finally be returning to health, as star cornerback Christian Gonzalez is on track to be in the lineup. He couldn’t have picked a better time to come back. New York’s passing offense, led by old foe Geno Smith — who is one of just four starting quarterbacks without an interception this season — prominently features wide receiver Garrett Wilson (42 targets, 31 catches, 374 receiving yards, three touchdowns) much more than any other target. Gonzalez and Wilson have gone one-on-one on numerous occasions dating back through 2023, and it’s a matchup that New England has been on the winning side of. The Patriots will need similar results this weekend to come out on top.

New England should have several matchup advantages in this game, but the Jets’ improving defense and efficient offense will present new obstacles in a series the home team has owned. To push their winning streak to three games and keep pace in the race for the AFC East, the Patriots will once again need to put their best product on the field and avoid the pitfalls of a “trap game” — with the Chicago Bears awaiting on Thursday night.

How do you think the Patriots will fare in their matchup against the Jets this Sunday? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.

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