NFL Predictions Week 5: Why Tom Brady and Patriots Will Dominate Jets Defense

The New England Patriots and the New York Jets will renew the NFL's best rivalry Sunday at Gillette Stadium—and this game is personal for Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Brady and the Patriots will be looking to get revenge for their home playoff loss last season at the hands of the Jets, who bounced back from a 45-3 regular season defeat in New England to oust the Pats in the AFC divisional playoffs.

The Patriots passing offense has been historically good this season. Brady has thrown for 1,553 yards and 15 touchdowns through four games and is on pace to shatter Dan Marino's single-season passing-yardage record.

The passing offense was great last season as well—until it ran into the Jets in the playoffs. Brady and his receivers looked lost in that game, and they couldn't get open against Jets cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie.

Cromartie this week has said he wants Brady to throw at him. Be careful what you wish for, because this is a different Patriots offense than a year ago.

Not only is second-year tight end Rob Gronkowski playing at an all-pro level, the Patriots' rushing attack is finally hitting its stride.

Last week, the Patriots ran for 183 yards against the Oakland Raiders, with rookie runner Stevan Ridley from LSU gaining 97 yards on the ground.

The Jets won't be able to sit back and play zone coverages to protect against the pass. They will have to honor the Patriots rushing attack.

Running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead and Ridley will all play roles in both the passing and rushing attacks against the Jets on Sunday.

Tom Brady will open up his passing attack by establishing the running game early in the game. The Jets don't have enough quality players to cover Wes Welker, who is on pace to break the NFL record for receptions in a season, and Gronkowski.

Revis can only cover one of them, and it's very unlikely he'll cover Gronkowski, because he's much smaller than the young tight end.

Whichever player the Jets don't take away, Brady will find often.

This game is personal for the Patriots, and Brady in particular.

After an excruciating playoff defeat last season, a year in which Brady won the NFL MVP unanimously, he is motivated to beat the Jets defense and give the Patriots a two-game lead over their rivals in the AFC East division.

Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report, follow him on Twitter for the latest sports news and updates.  Follow @NicholasGoss35