The NFL has officially confirmed the kickoff details for the highly anticipated Week 17 clash between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets, with a surprising twist that deviates from the standard Sunday afternoon slot. The game is set for Sunday, December 28, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the Jets will host the surging Patriots in a crucial late-season AFC East showdown.

This matchup marks the second meeting of the season between the two division rivals, following an earlier Thursday Night Football encounter in November. The Patriots enter the game with a dominant 12-3 record, having clinched a playoff berth after a thrilling comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens, while the Jets sit at 3-12 and are desperately trying to snap a three-game losing streak.

What makes this kickoff announcement stand out is the non-traditional timing: the game will start at 1:00 p.m. ET, rather than the more common 4:00 p.m. or primetime slots often reserved for high-profile rivalry games. This early start allows fans in both markets to catch the action during daylight hours, but it shifts the usual rhythm for East Coast NFL viewers accustomed to later kickoffs.

The Patriots, under head coach Mike Vrabel, have been one of the league’s biggest surprises this season, boasting a potent offense led by quarterback Drake Maye and a stout defense that ranks among the NFL’s best against the run. New England aims to maintain momentum as they push for a strong seeding in the playoffs.

For the Jets, this home game represents a final opportunity to salvage pride in a disappointing campaign. Despite their struggles, the team has shown flashes of potential and will look to upset the Patriots in front of their home crowd at MetLife Stadium, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric.

Broadcast on FOX, the game will be available regionally, with streaming options through NFL platforms. The 1:00 p.m. ET start time gives fans plenty of time to prepare, but it underscores the NFL’s flexible scheduling in the final weeks of the season.

As the Patriots chase continued success and the Jets seek a morale-boosting win, this non-traditional kickoff adds an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a hard-fought rivalry battle. Stay tuned for updates as both teams make their final preparations.