The New York Jets and New England Patriots will continue their 2026 NFL regular season schedules against each other on Sunday when the two teams do battle at Gillette Stadium in Week 6.
Like there will be every week, there are plenty of expected headlines that will pop up during the days leading up to this one between the Jets (2-3) and Patriots (3-2). Some obvious, others not so much.
With that, here are Jets Wire's five storylines to watch for ahead of Week 6:
AFC East gets going
After a few early games against the NFC North on their 2026 NFL schedule, the Jets will face their first divisional game of the year.
And this might be the perfect time for a Jets upset. With a win, New York is right in the thick of things in the AFC and AFC East despite it looking like
the wheels were falling off a mere two weeks ago.
Jets defense vs. surging Patriots
In a similar mindset, a mere two weeks ago the wheels were falling off for the Patriots after they cracked the Super Bowl last season. After upsetting the Buffalo Bills two weeks ago, the Pats routed the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5.
A lot of that has to do with their improvement on offense which makes this one of the biggest tests of the season so far for the Jets defense. Are they up to the task?
Gang Green has the fourth-best defense heading in Week 6, allowing 293.0 yards per game.
Breece back?
Star running back Breece Hall (hamstring) has now missed multiple games. Will he be return against the Patriots?
Other names to watch on the injury report include offensive lineman Dylan Parham (knee) and wide receiver AD Mitchell (finger).
Garrett vs. Gonzalez
Here's a potential battle for the ages. The Jets know what they have in No. 1 wide receiver Garrett Wilson. He will be facing Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez throughout Sunday's game.
This one could determine the outcome of the game.
Mistake-free Geno
Jets quarterback Geno Smith is starting to grab attention for his lack of interceptions this season. Previously he was known as a "boom-or-bust" guy, but he's been efficient in New York.
However, Smith is holding onto the ball too long. The Patriots will be aware of that.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets at Patriots: 5 storylines to watch for ahead of Week 6
