The Patriots will DOMINATE on Thursday Night: Week 11 Preview

Matt Hylen
3 days ago
3 min read

Week 11 comes early for the New England Patriots, as the red-hot 8-2 team takes on the "red-hot" 2-7 New York Jets. New England will look to extend the winning streak to eight games, while New York looks to extend a winning streak of their own to three. With the AFC East crown very much up for grabs, every division game is important, so let's get into everything you need to know ahead of a pivotal Thursday Night Football game.

Injury Report

In what started out as a very concerning injury report heading into the short week, the Patriots did a nice job of managing players' workloads heading into Thursday. With that said, some key pieces will be missing in the Thursday night action. Here is a look at Wednesday's injury report posted by the New England Patriots website:

OUT

WR Kayshon Boutte (Hamstring)

LB Christian Elliss (Hip)

TE Austin Hooper (Concussion)

RB Rhamondre Stevenson (Toe)

QUESTIONABLE

DL Joshua Farmer (Ankle)

RB Terrell Jennings (Knee)

As for the Jets, here is what their injury report looks like heading into Thursday:

OUT

CB Azareye'h Thomas (Concussion)

WR Garrett Wilson (Knee)

QUESTIONABLE

DL Harrison Phillips (Foot)

EDGE Will McDonald IV (Quad)

DL Braiden McGregor (Shoulder)

RB Khalil Herbert (Groin)

OL Xavier Newman (Ankle)

My 3 Keys to the Game

My first key to the game for the Patriots is to get the rookies involved. If this game plays out the way it should play out if you are the Patriots, take this opportunity to get Tre'Veyon Henderson and Kyle Williams involved in the offense. Head Coach Mike Vrabel has already said that Henderson will get a "big load" this week, but I want to see 20+ carries for Henderson as well as 5+ targets going Williams' way. Again, make sure this game is not close, but also use this chance to get the rookies (especially Williams) more accustomed to the offense.

My second key to the game is to stop the run. This should be no problem for New England, as they have yet to allow a running back to rush for over 55 yards, but it should be a point of emphasis regardless. Breece Hall is the only serious weapon for New York. If New England wants to win this game in dominant fashion, showing they can stop a top-tier running back in Hall is the perfect way to do that.

My third and final key to the game is getting off to a fast start. New York is definitely at the bottom of the league talent-wise, but they have a unique ability to keep themselves within striking distance by the 4th quarter, regardless of win or loss. Seven of their games this season have been decided by one score or less. So, if I am New England, they have to get ahead early and keep it that way throughout the game.

Who Wins?

Credit to New England Patriots YouTube page.

This is not a hard decision in my eyes. New England is the much more talented team in all three phases of the game; there is no doubt about it. New York cannot move the ball against any team that doesn't have a bottom-5 defense, while their defense has allowed 30+ points four times this season. I think New England will come into this game with a purpose and an understanding that divisional games mean a lot more now than they did before the season. The Pats will not play with their food, get ahead early, and never look back.

I have the Patriots winning by a score of 42-10. I think this game is a blowout. As I said before, I do not think the Patriots will be playing around on Thursday night. They have a goal, and to achieve this goal, they need to win their divisional games. New York has little to no chance of winning this game in my eyes.