Jets vs Patriots: 5 Bold Predictions for the Big Game

Two of football's best teams will meet in a colossal divisional matchup on Sunday Night Football this week. Both franchises sit at 5-3 and are in the middle of a dogfight for the AFC East crown. The two rivals always bring their A game for each other, so the contest is sure to be a terrific one.

Here are five bold predictions for this Sunday. 

Patriots Fail to Develop a Running Game

When these two teams met in Foxborough in October, the Patriots running game was the difference. New England managed to establish a steady ground attack and controlled the pace of the game.

Things will be different this time around, as the Jets defense has vastly improved since then. New York has shut down star runners Ryan Matthews, Reggie Bush and Fred Jackson over the last three weeks, and have reestablished itself as one of the league's best rushing defenses. 

Prediction: Under 100 rushing yards for New England.

Darrelle Revis Shuts Down Wes Welker

Darrelle Revis and Wes Welker are two of the game's best players at their respective positions, and when the two meet, the spotlight is immediately drawn to them. In Week 5, Revis switched coverages multiple times, but when on Welker, the former Pittsburgh star was terrific. Welker had just one catch with Revis on him, as he failed to find open space.

This week, Revis will be on Welker most of the game, and he will once again prove why he is the best defensive back in the league. Darrelle Revis wins the battle between the two stars.

Prediction: Wes Welker has three receptions for 42 yards.

Both New England Tight Ends Find the End Zone

The Patriots have the luxury of having two of the league's premier tight ends on their roster. Rob Gronkowski is a touchdown machine, as he has caught 16 touchdowns in his first 24 games in the league. Gronkowski is a huge target for Brady, and is too big for defensive backs to guard, but too fast for linebackers too guard.

Hernandez is a superb athlete with tremendous leaping ability and speed. He has established himself as one of Brady's most effective weapons the last few seasons.

Expect the young tight ends to have field days this Sunday, as New York fails to find a player who can match up with both.

Predictions: Gronkowski has four catches for 55 yards and a touchdown, while Hernandez has six catches for 59 yards and a touchdown.

New York Wins the Turnover Battle

This may be the boldest prediction, as New York is known to be one of the most turnover-prone teams in the NFL, while New England is regarded as one of the most protective of the ball.

However, Mark Sanchez and company have been terrific in terms of turnovers allowed in recent weeks, while Brady has been sloppy with the ball. Expect the aggressive New York defense to pressure the offensive line and force Brady into some mistakes.

Mark Sanchez will have a crucial turnover, but will rebound to have a good stat line against a porous Patriots defense.

Prediction: Tom Brady goes 23/37, 255 yards for two touchdowns and two interceptions, while Mark Sanchez goes 22/34, 233 yards for two touchdowns and one interception. 

The Jets Claim the AFC East Lead

The Jets and Patriots will both bring it on Sunday night and combine to form one of the most entertaining games of the year. Intensity will be at its highest level for these two division rivals, but eventually Gang Green will come out on top.

Rex Ryan will game-plan perfectly for the dangerous New England offense and Mark Sanchez will perform admirably. Tom Brady will keep the Patriots in it, but eventually his classic last-second drive will come up short.

The reeling Pats fall to 5-4, while the scorching Jets win their fourth straight, moving to 6-3 and first place in the division.

Prediction: Jets win 24-20.