No yawning. Not allowed for today’s version of the New England Patriots vs. the New York Jets rivalry.

They’ve been snoozers, let’s face it, over the last few years. The Jets have been abysmal, and the Patriots have always taken advantage.

But the rumblings out of New York/New Jersey are that the Jets are mad as heck and aren’t going to take it anymore. For the first time ages, they come into today’s game at MetLife Stadium with a better record — by two games (5-2 vs. 3-4).

The Patriots have a quarterback controversy — and the Jets don’t. The Jets have suddenly shown that they have a superior defense — and the Patriots showed this past Monday night that they don’t.

Yet don’t count the Patriots out of this one, despite all the nonsense surrounding the quarterback. But one thing is clear — this is a game that can really determine New England’s fate the rest of the year. Lose this, and they are 3-5 and facing a plethora of must wins. Win it — especially if Jones plays well after being handed the starting job for, well, this week — and the Patriots can flex their muscles again, a little.

Meanwhile, we can’t do the same here. Two straight sub-.500 weeks has yours truly drowning in mediocrity, just like, well, the Patriots.

Here’s this week’s seven fearless prognostications:

PATRIOTS 24, JETS 13

This won’t be a work of art. But the fact the Jets don’t have their dynamic rookie back Breece Hall for the rest of the season is going to hurt them, because they simply can’t put their all their hopes in QB Zach Wilson. Patriots should get some turnovers and have a bounce-back week.

BENGALS 27, BROWNS 17

A Monday Night Halloween special, and the Browns are starting to look like a horror show. They probably will until you-know-who is eligible to play (rhymes with datsun) while at the same time the Bengals and Joe Burrow are starting to find their groove.

JAGUARS 17, BRONCOS 10

It’s the only other all-AFC game left on the schedule besides Tennessee-Houston, so we chose this one to pick. Good grief are the Broncos a mess. Jacksonville is still in good hands with Doug Pederson despite its 2-5 start.

RAMS 23, NINERS 21

Great rivalry, and they should be playing their second matchup later in the season. We think the Rams have picked it up a bit since they were beaten 24-9 by SF a few weks ago. But they still have a ways to go.

Christian McCaffery was a good pickup for the 49ers, but how long will he last?

VIKINGS 30, CARDINALS 27

Minnesota is for real, folks. And so are Arizona’s problems, despite scoring 42 points last week vs. the Saints. In Kurt Cousins we,well, trust – for this week.

BILLS 31, PACKERS 24

The Pack is falling back to, well, the rest of the pack. This game should be even more evidence of that, although the Bills will need to shake off some bye week rust. Almost went for a desperate Green Bay team but the Bills and Josh Allen just have more firepower, while Aaron Rodgers has no confidence in anyone he’s throwing to.

EAGLES 27, STEELERS 7

Fly Eagles fly. Pittsburgh is hurting, finding out what it’s like with severe quarterback issues. Surprisingly, even with Jalen Hurts, the Eagles really don’t have any and many think they could be the NFC’s best team. We’ll see.

LAST WEEK: 3-4

SEASON: 25-24

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on Twitter (@Telegraph_TomK).