DOMINATING DEFENSEOver their last three games, the Patriots have allowed a total of just 10 points, setting a franchise record for the fewest number of points allowed during any threegame span. New England's defense has allowed just one touchdown and one field goal in the month of December, and has allowed an average of just 9.8 points per game in its last six contests dating back to Nov. 13. One of the keys to the Patriots' defensive dominance has been their ability to shut down the run, allowing an average of just 28.3 rushing yards per game in their last three contests.
HOT WHEN IT'S COLDThe weather may turn cold late in the NFL season, but in recent years the Patriots have remained red hot. New England has historically responded well to the cold, compiling a 20-1 record since 1993 when the temperature is 34 degrees or less. And when it gets even colder the Patriots get even better - they're 14-0 since 1993 when it's 30 degrees or less. New England has also won 15 straight games when it's been 35 degrees or less. Additionally, quarterback Tom Brady has been perfect in cold conditions, going 20-0 as a starter when it's below 40 degrees.
SERIES HISTORYThe Patriots and Jets will meet for the 92nd time since the series between the AFC East rivals began in 1960. The Patriots have won five straight and seven of the last eight games between the teams, including sweeps in each of the last two years. New England could complete its third consecutive series sweep with a victory. The Jets hold an overall edge in the series, but the Patriots lead the series 14-9 since Robert Kraft purchased the team in 1994. With their 92nd meeting this week, the Jets tie the Buffalo Bills as the most frequent opponent in Patriots history. New England's 43 victories over the Jets (including one playoff win) are tied for the second most over any single opponent, trailing only Buffalo (51 all-time wins). Including one playoff victory, the Patriots are 13-9 against the Jets at the Meadowlands. New England has been victorious in each of its last four road games against the Jets.
STANDINGS: Patriots -- 1st place, AFC East. Jets -- 4th place, AFC East.
PATRIOTS LEADERS: Offense -- Brady, 3,888 passing yards and 23 passing TDs; Corey Dillon, 656 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs; Deion Branch, 72 receptions, 910 receiving yards and 4 receiving TDs. Defense -- Rosevelt Colvin, 6½ sacks; Ellis Hobbs, 3 INTs.
JETS LEADERS: Offense -- Bollinger, 1,305 passing yards and 6 passing TDs; Martin, 735 rushing yards and 5 rushing TDs; Laveranues Coles, 64 receptions, 695 receiving yards and 3 receiving TDs. Defense -- John Abraham, 8½ sacks; Ty Law, 6 INTs.
PATRIOTS TEAM RANK: Rushing Offense -- 93.3 yards per game (24th in NFL); Passing Offense -- 267.6 ypg (2nd); Total Offense -- 360.9 ypg (7th). Rushing Defense -- 99.4 ypg (6th); Passing Defense -- 238.7 ypg (30th); Total Defense -- 338.1 ypg (27th).
JETS TEAM RANK: Rushing Offense -- 85.6 ypg (31st); Passing Offense -- 170.4 ypg (27th); Total Offense -- 255.9 ypg (28th). Rushing Defense -- 133.9 ypg (28th); Passing Defense -- 172.4 ypg (3rd); Total Defense -- 306.3 ypg (11th).
LAST MEETING: Dec. 4; Patriots, 16-3. At Foxborough, Mass., Adam Vinatieri's 34-yard field goal 2 seconds before halftime snapped a 3-3 tie, and the Patriots made it 13-3 on a 1-yard TD run by Dillon on their first possession of the third quarter.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Patriots -- Brady has five TD passes and no INTs in his past five games against New York. ... New England has won 14 of its past 15 division games. ... RB Dillon has 24 total TDs in 26 games with the Patriots. Jets -- New York has totaled six points in the first quarter over its past 12 games. ... DE Abraham has eight sacks and four forced fumbles in nine games against New England. ... Alcohol won't be sold during this game in an attempt to quell rowdy fan behavior at the Meadowlands. The ban comes after nine fans were arrested during the Jets-Saints game Nov. 27.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Patriots -- 4-3 on the road; Jets -- 3-3 at home.
