Wow, talk about a 180-degree about-face! 

Tom Brady goes down for the year and the AFC Champion Patriots go from conference favorites to doormat of the division - or so you'd be led to believe.

The Jets?  They have Favre.  The sky's the limit, right?  They're licking their chops and thinking division champs and beyond. 

Is it really that simple?

Is an over-the-hill superstar in the twilight of his career going to finally lead the Jets back to the Super Bowl after 40 years of futility and frustration and heartbreak - using the misfortunes of the Patriots as the chief stepping stone?  

While it's obvious that losing the NFL's 2007 MVP is a huge blow - as Brady represents so much more than just being fantasy football's equivalent to Michael Jordan in his prime - New England's recent success is due to 53 players buying into their coach's system and executing to the fullest.      

It took an entire team to go to 16-0 last season - superb play on both sides of the ball.  The Pats' defense was as stingy as their offense was unstoppable.  Has been for years.

Bill Belichick, the grungy hoodie wearing, cheating head coach we all love to loathe could snatch a hot dog vendor out of the stands and milk him for every drop of talent he's worth.  He's a mastermind motivator and manipulator.

Tom Brady is a talented football player.  He's also surrounded by a wealth of talent.  More important than that talent, he's part of a work ethic that gives 100%.  There's a great quote that goes: 'Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn't Work Hard'.  Belichick has both.

Stick Tom Brady on last year's Miami Dolphins.  Would Brady have led them to the Super Bowl?       

It's not a gimme this week, but I'm taking the Patriots to win.  Not to kill, just to 'upset', as the Jets are slight favorites.

I also think that New England is still going to win that division at 10-6, if not better - while the Jets have a shot at a wildcard at 9-7, but most likely are looking at a .500 season.       

The Jets could win this week if they stay focused on their game and their strengths - and play as if Brady was the Pats' starter. 

The Jets might even win their division, after all - but I'm not buying into it.  I've been wrong before, and if I am, I'll hold myself accountable - as I always do.  Let's see if the Jets can prove me wrong.

-Lunatic