3 Storylines To Know Ahead Of Week 17: Patch Patriots Roundup

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The Patriots are looking to keep the momentum of Sunday night’s comeback victory going as they go for a season sweep of a depleted and directionless division rival and an undefeated road record this weekend.

The 12-3 Patriots are heading to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey for a matchup against the 3-12 New York Jets.

Here are three storylines to know ahead of the game:

Rolling Out A Mass Unit?

The Patriots’ Friday injury report was unfortunately a long one that features many starters. The combination of an injury-riddled, bruising fourth quarter in Baltimore along with weeks-long lingering nicks leave the squad short-handed for week 17. Wide Receivers Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins, Offensive Guard Jared Wilson, Linebackers Harold Landry and Robert Spillane, and Defensive Lineman Khyiris Tonga are all slated to miss Sunday’s action. Fortunately, the Pats are facing a much-less talented Jet squad with almost an equal amount of injuries. One might surmise that if they were going up against a superior opponent and not undrafted free agent rookie Quarterback Brady Cook with only one touchdown pass and six interceptions to his name, some of the players may have had to fight through the pain and suit up.

Running Back Treveyon Henderson and Wide Receiver Demario Douglas are among three players who are questionable to play. Defensive Lineman Milton Williams remains on injured reserve, despite being eligible for reactivation.

Still Fighting For The Top Seed

While the chances may seem to be getting slimmer by the second, New England is still in the hunt for the ever-so-important top spot in the AFC playoffs and highly-coveted bye week. Pats fans were very close to getting a Christmas miracle gift from the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday night as their third-string quarterback almost took down the top-seeded Denver Broncos. A Chief victory would have given the Patriots the inside track for the bye week as long as they won their final two contests. Now, the Patriots are banking on the Los Angeles Chargers to help them out with a win over the Broncos next week. If the Patriots don’t trip up in the final two weeks and the Broncos go down, they will be atop the postseason bracket.

In addition, New England can also clinch the AFC East division with a win and a Buffalo Bills loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Jets Gonna Jet

Die-hard Jets fan Ashley Castanio-Gervasi, who reportedly fell in love with the team due to her late father, was slated to kick a field goal for a chance at a $100,000 prize at halftime of Sunday’s game — until she wasn’t. She was barred from the contest due to being an active multi-sport high school coach, according to a report from the New York Post. After the story broke and gained a lot of negative attention, the organization announced Castanio-Gervasi would in fact be allowed to participate in the contest.

Both Jets and Patriots fans are used to this kind of dysfunction from the organization headquartered at Florham Park, New Jersey. Under the ownership of Woody Johnson, the Jets have struggled mightily. The team owns the current longest playoff drought in professional sports, with their last appearance in 2010. The Patriots are 40-13 against New York since 2000.

How To Watch The Game

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Network: Fox

Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub