Rex Ryan might not be around to stir the pot but if you think the match-up between the Patriots and Jets has lost intensity, think again!

The two divisional teams that have built a significant rivalry will play for the first time this season when they kickoff form Gillette Stadium at 1pm. The biggest story line in this game is that the winner will be in first place in the division and for the moment have a leg up in possible tie-breaking scenarios at the end of the season.

Another factor in this game involves a couple former Patriots who are now playing for the Jets. Darrelle Revis who helped the Pats win last years Super Bowl is back patrolling in the Jets defensive backfield. Running back Stevan Ridley who played his first four seasons in the NFL is now a member of the Jets after the Pats elected to not re-sign him in the off-season.

New England has owned the Jets during the Tom Brady era as the Pats quarterback is 20-5 in those meetings, including a 10-2 record against the Jets at home. The Patriots won two close games last season taking a 27-25 win in a Thursday night game and a 17-16 decision in their second meeting.

While the Pats have been hit hard with injuries lately, they did get some good news this week as wide receiver Brandon LaFell returned to practice and has been activated from the P-U-P list for today's game. LaFell missed the entire off-season and first 5 games of this season with a foot injury.

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