Jets at Patriots -- Week 7

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass. (artificial turf, outdoors)

When: Sunday, 4:25 pm ET, (CBS)

Spread: Patriots by 10.5

Forecast: Sunny. Temperature in the low 60s.

Records: Jets (Overall: 2-3, AFC East: 2-0); Patriots (Overall: 3-3, AFC East: 1-0)

Past results: Two most recent meetings – Nov. 13, 2011 Jets 16, Patriots 37); Oct. 9, 2011 Jets 21 Patriots 30. Series record: Patriots 53-52-1.

What matters: The running game. It looks like the Jets will be missing RB Bilal Powell (shoulder) and although RB Joe McKnight has said he will play, he has an ankle injury. So, how are the Jets going to keep their reinvigorated running game moving forward? The answer could be two words: Tim Tebow. He’s been giving the Jets different options at quarterback on offense and with some trick plays on special teams. Can he be a real factor running the ball -- not in the wildcat?

Who matters: QB Mark Sanchez. Sanchez needs to manage the game and not let things get out of control so the defense can have an opportunity to try to control Patriots QB Tom Brady. Sanchez managed the game well against the Colts, but the Patriots defense is another
thing entirely.

Key matchups: The offensive line vs. Patriots DT Vince Wilfork. He’s huge. Coach Rex Ryan said he will have to be doubled on every play. If the Jets want to build on the running game they put up last week against the Colts, when the “Ground and Pound” finally made an
appearance, it will be critical for them to create running room for RB Shonn Greene. They also need to allow Sanchez time to throw the ball, especially with the Patriots pass defense ranked almost at the bottom of the league, which could offer some opportunities.

Injuries of note: McKnight sustained an ankle injury against the Colts. Powell has a shoulder injury sustained against the Colts. NT Sione Po’uha continues to struggle with back tightness and may not play. NT Kenrick Ellis is still out with an MCL sprain. C Nick Mangold has an ankle injury, although he will likely play. S Eric Smith has a knee injury and it is unlikely he will be available.

Inside stuff: The Jets still have just four receivers: Stephen Hill, Jeremy Kerley, Chaz Schilens and Jason Hill. TE Dustin Keller has become more critical than ever to the passing game. His return last week after being sidelined for four weeks with a hamstring injury could prove a vital asset against the Patriots.

Connections: Patriots OC Josh McDaniels was the coach of the Broncos in 2010 when the team selected Tebow in the first round. Tebow and Patriots WR Brandon Lloyd were both with the Broncos from 2010-2011. Lloyd also played with T Jason Smith with the Rams in 2011 (Lloyd was traded mid-season).

Stat you should know: The Jets passing game is ranked 30th in the NFL. The Patriots pass defense is ranked 28th.

Record watch: LB David Harris needs 0.5 sacks for a career total of 20. Keller needs two touchdowns to pass Johnny Mitchell for fifth on the team's all-time list for most receiving TDs by a TE. He needs three touchdowns to pass Anthony Becht for fourth place. Keller has 17 touchdowns.

Looking ahead: The Jets are now 3-3 and 2-0 in the AFC East and the entire AFC East is tied. A win would put them in the driver’s seat.

Prediction: Patriots 31, Jets 16

Stay dialed in on the New York Jets by following correspondent Lisa Zimmerman on Twitter @CBSJets and @LisaZimmerman.