AFC Divisional Playoff Race Part 1 ~ The Sweet Life Of J and E

New York Jets VS New England Patriots

This is going to be the most watched game during the Divisional Round of the NFL postseason. The reason I say this is due to Rex Ryan's mouth along with Gang Green's lockeroom swagger. I love the confidence from the Jets staff, but remember what happened week 13 on Monday Night. The Patriots seem to let the scoreboard due the talking that time. Hopefully it won't be as bad this time around.

Let's look at the numbers!

New York Jet rankings:

Passing: 202.6 yrds 22nd overall
Rushing: 148.6 yrds 4th overall
Pass Defense: 200.6 yrds 6th overall
Rush Defense: 90.9 yrds 3rd overall

New England Patriots rankings:

Passing: 240.4 yrds 11th overall
Rushing: 123.3 yrds 9th overall
Pass Defense: 258.5 30th overall
Rush Defense: 108.0 11th overall

The Patriots have holes in their defense, but they did go 14-2 during the regular season with one of those loses at the hands of Gang Green. If the Jets get their ground game going, that should force the Patriots to put more guys in the box. If all goes well, this should open up the Jets playbook for the playaction pass. The Jets did good beating the Colts last week, so hopefully they do it on the road again in New England.

Prediction: New England Patriots

As much as I like the Jets, I think the combination of Wes Welker and Danny Woodhead will be the factor. If the Jets don't get pressure on Tom Brady, he will light them up. Plus, you have to factor in the refs. Lets face it, Tom Brady is the poster boy for the NFL. He is untouchable in pocket. A perfect example, go and look back at week 15's Sunday night game between the Packers vs Patriots, the 2007 regular season game against the Ravens and I can go on and on. There was some very questionable calls that really changed the outcome of those games. I am praying that they call it straight down the middle this time around. This game should be a good one. I believe that the Jets defense will show up this time, but it will be a tight game. The Patriots are a different team overall this time around and might be a little too much to handle with the refs being in Brady's back pocket. I will be rooting for the Jets all the way, but my professional opinion is with the Pats. I'm just praying that my pick is wrong this time. J E T S JETS JETS JETS!