The Patriots have done something in the past two games that we are not used to seeing from a Bill Belichick-led squad — they lost following a bye and then lost back-to-back games.

With Belichick and Tom Brady, the Patriots have been very good at self-scouting and generally are tough to beat following byes and losses.

The two teams that handed them their two losses, the Giants and Steelers, had the right ingredients on defense to slow Brady's high-powered attack, and the Jets also have the personnel — and the confidence.

The Jets lost 30-21 to New England in Week Five, but their defense has been very stout of late and the run game has improved greatly.

In that meeting, it was the Patriots who won the battle in the trenches, running the ball very effectively to milk the clock. That run game has eluded New England the past two weeks, keeping the Pats from being balanced on offense.

The Patriots need to find a way to get back to an effective air attack — which is what they do best. The protection needs to get better and receivers not covered by Darrelle Revis need to find open space.

This just isn't a good matchup for the Patriots at this point of the season. While it wouldn't be a shocker to see New England play inspired ball, the Jets are clicking on all cylinders right now and get the home-field victory.

Prediction: Jets 24, Patriots 21