New York Jets vs. New England Patriots: Winner Sure To Reach the Super Bowl?

The winner of Monday night's epic showdown between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets will represent the AFC in Super Bowl XLV.

The important of this game cannot be overstated: it's the closest thing to a playoff game we'll see in December this season.

The winner's road to the Super Bowl would likely consist of having to win just two home games. The loser will almost certainly have to win three road games to reach Cowboys Stadium in February.

This game is almost certain to decide the AFC East champion as well, giving the losing team just a wild card option for the 2010 NFL playoffs, though both teams will be playing in January.

This matchup has many interesting battles. The quarterback battle between Mark Sanchez and Tom Brady is the most fascinating one to watch.

Sanchez outplayed Brady in the two rival's previous meeting in September, a win by the Jets in New York. Sanchez has risen his game to new heights this season, and has led the Jets to last-minute wins several times this season.

But Sanchez's biggest improvement from last season is his protection of the football. He is not turning the ball over, and has cut his interception totals substantially from last year.

Tom Brady is the hottest player in the NFL right now, and the Patriots offense is playing at a much higher level without star receiver Randy Moss.

Newly-acquired receiver Deion Branch is becoming just as valuable as he was when he earned the Super Bowl XXXIX MVP award for the Patriots in 2004.

Branch is one of more underrated players in the league, and always plays well in big games. Most importantly, he has the full confidence of Brady.

Rarely do rivalries revolve around head coaches as much as players, but Jets coach Rex Ryan has been very vocal when asked about Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Ryan has been very respectful of Belichick's accomplishments, complimenting the New England coach numerous times the past week. 

According to a USAtoday.com article from Nov. 30, among his praise for Belichick were comments such as, "He's the No. 1 coach in this league. That's undisputable," and, "He's a great evaluator of talent."

Ryan was quickly returned to his more arrogant side when he told Newsday last Monday, "I didn't [back off]," Ryan said told the paper. "I just told the truth. I came here to win. As much as I respect and admire Bill Belichick, I came here to kick his (butt), and that's the truth. That's just the way it is."

There's certainly no love lost between these coaches, and the two teams. The New York vs. Boston rivalry isn't even the major story here.

Every player from each team knows if they win this game, the road to the Super Bowl goes through their house. The Patriots would love having opposing teams try to number one, beat Tom Brady at home, something very difficult to do, and second, battle the harsh weather elements commonly seen during January days in Massachusetts.

The Jets would like to have the most important playoff games in their young quarterback's career be played at home with the support of the hometown fans.

There are so many important things to be won Monday night, and the NFL MVP is one of them. If either Mark Sanchez or Tom Brady has an epic performance leading his team to victory, they might earn the MVP trophy by Tuesday morning.

Sanchez the NFL MVP?

With a weaker defense and running game helping him compared to last season, the Jets are a Super Bowl contender because Mark Sanchez has taken the team on his back, and hasn't fallen, yet.