USA Today's NFL experts make their picks for a Week 17 showdown between the New York Jets and New England Patriots

What to watch for when the New England Patriots face the New York Jets on Sunday, and other Week 17 NFL thoughts.

The Patriots are closing in on a top playoff seed and the AFC East title. Here are five things to watch in their matchup with the Jets:

This will be the much-anticipated rematch from the first meeting between the two teams back in Week 5, when the Patriots stunned the Bills in a 23-20 upset win on the road. Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye outdueled Bills MVP quarterback Josh Allen and picked up the team's biggest win so far this season.

The New England Patriots have 15 players listed on their first injury report of Week 17 ahead of their matchup with the New York Jets.

Vrabel has led his team to an 11-3 record in 2025. He is on the precipice of New England's first AFC East crown since they won 11 straight from 2009 to 2019. The Patriots also won 17 of 19 division crowns from 2001 until 2019.

Colin Cowherd lists his best bets entering week 16 of the 2025/26 NFL season, including the Chicago Bears beating the Green Bay Packers, and the New England Patriots beating the Baltimore Ravens.

Sunday Night Football in Week 16 features a crucial AFC battle between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens.  Baltimore is now 7-7 in the 2025 seas

Christmas brings playoff gifts for multiple teams as Week 17 gets ready begin. Here are USA TODAY Sports' playoff predictions.