NFL Playoff Predictions – Tensions High As Patriots, Jets Meet Again

Those making their NFL playoff betting predictions know that tensions have reached a new high between the AFC East rival New England Patriots and New York Jets heading in to their AFC Divisional round game this Sunday at Foxborough.

Days after Jets’ head coach Rex Ryan tried to entice the Patriots in to engaging in a war of words, cornerback Antonio Cromartie did him one better by attacking New England quarterback Tom Brady. Brady and the Patriots have said they will let their play doing the talking as always, and if they can carry over their momentum from the regular season, it could get uglier than any words.

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NFL Playoff Predictions: New York Jets @ New England Patriots

Sunday January 16, 2011 – 4:30 PM ET

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Broadcast: CBS

NFL Betting Odds: Jets +8.5, Patriots -8.5

Total: 44

The Patriots ended their season with eight straight wins, including a massive 45-3 blowout victory over the Jets in early December. New England is the undoubted favorite to win the Super Bowl after beating all six playoff teams they played during the regular season, but it won’t be easy against an upstart New York team that handed the Patriots won of their only two losses.

NFL Playoff Predictions: What The Jets Will Have To Do To Win

The Jets will have to control the clock on offense, and get after Brady in a big way defensively. New York learned what happened when they sit back for too long when they lost to the Patriots by 42 in December, and will need to implement a combination of blitz and pressure packages to keep the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback off balance.

There may not be a better secondary in the league than New York’s version, and they’ll need to press in order to avoid giving the New England receivers space. Quarterback Mark Sanchez was solid against Indianapolis despite an injured shoulder, and will need running backs LaDanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene to establish a solid rushing attack to keep the Patriots’ blitz at bay.

NFL Playoff Predictions: What The Patriots Will Have To Do To Win

Brady will need to play like, well, Tom Brady. The leading candidate to win the league’s MVP award threw for 3,900 yards and 36 touchdowns during the regular season, including a 326-yard four-touchdown performance the last time these teams met.

The Patriots actually finished with the ninth-ranked rushing attack, compared to the 11th-ranked passing game, so it will be pivotal for New England to establish the running game early on. The Patriots’ defense did a good job against the rush but were terrible against the pass this season, finishing 30th in the league after allowing 258.5 yards per game, and will need to get pressure on Sanchez.

Outlook & NFL Playoff Predictions

The Jets seem to be trying to do whatever they can to drag the Patriots in to a war of words, but no matter what they just aren’t budging. That may be a sign of weakness against a confident New England team, and as long as confidence doesn’t turn in to cockiness the AFC champions should move on.

NFL Playoff Betting Predictions: Patriots -8.5