The Jets avoided a fourth straight loss when they held on to beat the Cleveland Browns last Sunday.
However, if they are to keep the momentum going, they'll need to do so on the road against an old adversary, the New England Patriots.
Here are the main storylines to watch as the Jets face the defending AFC champs on the road...
The Patriots hit their stride at the worst possible time for the Jets
Three weeks into the regular season, New England was struggling badly, and Jets fans might have been looking ahead to this game as a winnable one.
However, they've reversed their fortunes in recent weeks and are now 3-2 heading into Sunday's matchup.
QB Drake Maye was an MVP contender last season, but got off to a bad start in 2026 as he had just one touchdown pass and six interceptions in the first three games.
And yet, the Patriots beat the high-powered Buffalo Bills on a late touchdown pass from Maye to Efton Chism in Week 4 before blowing out the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5.
Maye threw seven touchdowns with just one interception in those two games, as he seems to be firing on all cylinders again.
The Jets are getting some guys back
Rookie wideout Omar Cooper Jr. has been activated from IR, and linebacker Kiko Mauigoa returned to practice after missing the past few games.
However, running back Breece Hall, guard Dylan Parham,and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell are still not practicing, meaning the Jets might remain without three offensive starters.
Although Braelon Allen delivered against the Browns with 116 rushing yards and the game-winning touchdown, Hall offers more in the passing game and gives the Jets a more varied rushing attack, so his return is eagerly anticipated.
Cooper should boost a passing game that has stalled over the past two weeks.
Can the Jets keep Geno Smith upright?
A major issue that has held back the Jets' passing game is Smith seeing more pressure in the pocket.
Smith has been sacked seven times over the past two games, with the Jets averaging just 120 net passing yards.
Part of that is on Smith, who has been indecisive at times and holding onto the ball for too long.
However, he may have more confidence in and better chemistry with some of the players who have been missing, which could mean he is reluctant to get rid of the ball in certain situations.
The Pats are without their two best pass rushers from last season, as K'Lavon Chaisson departed during the offseason and Harold Landry is on the PUP list. The pair combined for 16 sacks last season.
In their absence, Elijah Ponder has stepped up with 4.5 sacks in the first five games.
Defending the deep ball
Maye had a lot of success airing the ball out against the Raiders, as he completed four passes for longer than 30 yards, including two for touchdowns.
His 374 passing yards represented the second highest output of his career and he did this without A.J. Brown, who may be ready to return on Sunday.
That's a concern for Gang Green, who kept the Browns out of the end zone for most of last week's game but then gave up the go-ahead score with six minutes to go on a 29-yard throw from Deshaun Watson to rookie Denzel Boston.
Brandon Stephens, who had been called for a questionable pass interference penalty a few snaps earlier, was beaten on the play.
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick can help in this regard, something that was on display against the Browns when he ranged across the field to break up a deep ball in the fourth quarter.
Can David Bailey keep this up?
In last season's win over the Browns, Will McDonald tied a team record with four sacks. However, he was unable to maintain that momentum as he went without a sack in the next five games and only had one more all season.
Star rookie David Bailey had a similar performance in his breakout game on Sunday, with his three sacks tying the Jets' single-game rookie sack record.
He will hope to be able to build on that against a New England team that could be without their blindside pass protector, Will Campbell, who was injured in last week's game.