If it indeed turns out to be Bill Belichick's swan song as New England Patriots' head coach, it will likely sound the same as any of his last 15 games against the New York Jets.
Sports Illustrated's prediction panel is backing Belichick and the Pats in the Week 18 finale set for Sunday, January 7 at Gillette Stadium. All seven panelists have selected New England to defeat the Jets for the 16th consecutive time.
New York has not posted a victory over the Patriots since December 27, 2015 when since-retired quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick hit Eric Decker for the winning touchdown in overtime. Eight years and 15 losses later, the Jets will try to end the 2023 campaign on a high note with veteran Trevor Siemian at the controls. Siemian will start in place of the concussed Zach Wilson for the third game in a row.
"Just all the time anybody goes against the Patriots, you know they’re going to be well coached; they’re going to be disciplined, and they’re going to cause a lot of confusion with all the different things that they do," said Jets' offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
New England ranks sixth overall amongst NFL leaders in total defense (304.6 ypg). The Pats limit opponents to 4.74 yards per play, ranking fifth best out of 32 teams. On the flip side, the Jets have struggled to move the ball on offense. New York ranks next-to-last in yards per game (269.5) and yards per play (4.36).
The Patriots have won only one home game this season— a 29-25 triumph over the Buffalo Bills orchestrated by the since-benched Mac Jones on October 22. On the other side, the Jets have posted only one true road victory over the past 17 weeks. New York defeated the Denver Broncos, 31-21, in Week 5. As the designated road team at the shared MetLife Stadium, the Jets also posted a 13-10 win over the Giants in Week 8.
"The goal is breaking the losing streak," said starting linebacker Quincy Williams.
All SI weekly predictions are straight up. On the betting line, the Patriots (4-12) are a 2.5-point home favorite over the Jets (6-10). The projected point total (over/under) has dropped to 29.5 according to SI Sportsbook. The game kick off at 1:00 pm ET on Sunday.
MMQB Predictions (Jets at Patriots)
Albert Breer, senior NFL reporter
Pick: Patriots
Conor Orr, senior writer
Pick: Patriots
Gilberto Manzano, staff writer
Pick: Patriots
Matt Verderame, staff writer
Pick: Patriots
John Pluym, managing editor
Pick: Patriots
Mitch Goldich, editor
Pick: Patriots
Claire Kuwana, editor
Pick: Patriots
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