FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Patriots’ stakes: Bill Belichick has often said in his tenure as Patriots coach that football season begins after Thanksgiving. It will be imperative for his New England team to beat the visiting New York Jets on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS) to ensure that is the case this season.
The Patriots’ chances to qualify for the playoffs drop to 8% if they lose, according to ESPN Analytics. They would improve to 30% with a win.