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10:45 a.m. ET: While the rest of the world is talking Peyton Manning and HGH, the New England Patriots have a pretty important football game to win against the New York Jets.

The Patriots are playing for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. If they beat the Jets, they have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. If they lose, they must beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 17, which means not resting their starters.

The Patriots already ruled out linebacker Jonathan Freeny, wide receivers Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman and safeties Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung. Cornerback Troy Hill, who was claimed Friday, likely will be another inactive. The Patriots seventh inactive could be offensive tackle La'Adrian Waddle.

Patriots running back Steven Jackson, who was signed Tuesday, is expected to play, a source told NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell (foot) and tight end Scott Chandler (knee) also are expected to play despite being listed as questionable.

With McCourty and Chung out, Duron Harmon, Tavon Wilson and Jordan Richards will receive additional playing time for the Patriots.

LaFell, Keshawn Martin and Chris Harper are the Patriots' only healthy wide receivers. Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Jerod Mayo are likely to start at linebacker with Freeny out.

Thumbnail photo via Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports Images