Tom Brady and the New England Patriots clinched the first round bye with a narrow win over New York Jets (17-16). In effect, the Patriots will be resting at home for the start of the playoffs.

Surprisingly, the Jets took the lead early in the second quarter with a 20-yard pass from Geno Smith to Jeff Cumberland. Nick Folk added three more points to the board with a 26-yard field goal.

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Throughout the remainder of the game, it was neck and neck, with the biggest lead being six points by the Jets early in the third quarter. However, Jonas Gray scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 1-yard run early in the fourth quarter after the Patriots intercepted a pass from Smith. The Patriots clinched a bye with a 17-16 victory over the Jets on Sunday.

"We made plenty of good (plays) in the fourth quarter to come from behind, so that was great," Brady said. "I'm glad it came out the way it did -- makes for a better Christmas. It's always tough to get a win here."

With this win, the Patriots could also earn home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs if Denver loses to Cincinnati on Monday night.

Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan was visibly sad that they had lost, saying that he thought it was going to be their day. Their record slumps down to 3-12.

The Jets will miss the opportunity to play in the postseason for the fourth straight year. Ryan and general manager John Idzik have come under heavy criticism by fans who have urged owner Woody Johnson to make changes.

Several fans waved yellow "penalty towels" at MetLife Stadium with the words "Fire Idzik!" printed in green.

It is no mystery that Ryan's career with the Jets is coming to an end. However, right guard Willie Colon commented that through it all, Ryan was the rock.

"I honestly want to win for him, more than anybody," Colon said.

Tagsnew england patriots, NFL, New York Jets, Football, tom brady