New England Patriots 45, New York Jets 3

In a rout, the Patriots took control of the AFC East...After another outstanding performance, Tom Brady is the head of the MVP class...Patriots first-round cornerback Devin McCourty is not playing like a rookie.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan received "the biggest butt-whuppin'" of his coaching career last night...Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez tossed three second-half interceptions...Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie struggled to cover Deion Branch.

NFL News and Notes

Buffalo Bills first-round running back C.J. Spiller has been a disappointment, writes Jerry Sullivan of The Buffalo News.

Interceptions are haunting Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne.

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh criticized the team's underachieving offense on Monday.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had his broken nose surgically-repaired on Monday.

Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini is focused on winning games, not his job security, writes Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.

Big plays have been a big problem for the Cincinnati Bengals defense.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers may miss the team's playoff push with a broken forearm.

Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan is the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year for 2010.

Jacksonville Jaguars fans have responded to head coach Jack Del Rio's plea.

Houston Texans safety Bernard Pollard says the defense has a tendency to lose its focus before the 60 minutes are up.

The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for their biggest game since 2007, writes Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star.

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels was relieved of his duties on Monday.

San Diego Chargers running back Darren Sproles will have to pass baseline tests to be cleared to play this week.

Oakland Raiders first-round linebacker Rolando McClain will not be fined for his hit on Sproles.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams suffered a first-degree sprain of his left ankle, but may play on Sunday vs. San Francisco.

Needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith will start against Seattle.

The Arizona Cardinals' starting quarterback this week may not be on the current roster.

St. Louis Rams linebacker Na'il Diggs will be placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle.

Green Bay Packers defensive end Cullen Jenkins may miss a few weeks with a calf injury.

Once signed, Minnesota Vikings running back Lorenzo Booker will help on third downs.

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte is leading an improved running game, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will test his right shoulder this week, reports Tom Kowalski of MLive.com.

The New York Giants know divisional games will decide their playoff fate, writes Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger.

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek is back to his 2009 form.

Washington Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth disputes reports that he was hungover during a recent practice.

Dallas Cowboys first-round wide receiver Dez Bryant's injury creates a play-making void on offense and special teams.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is cautiously optimistic that Pierre Thomas will be available on Sunday.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Jeff Faine and cornerback Aqib Talib were placed on injured reserve on Monday.

The Atlanta Falcons are finishing games in a strong fashion, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox won't change his approach as he heads into what will likely be his final month on the job.

Today's NFL birthdays: Cardinals guard Alan Faneca (34), Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens (37) and defensive tackle Tank Johnson (29), Dolphins cornerback Al Harris (36), and Vikings linebacker Ben Leber (32).