With the NY Jets preparing for this weekend's playoff battle with the Patriots -- TMZ has learned the NYJ coaching staff is drawing their strength from a very familiar place ... the snack drawer.



Our Jets sources tell us Rex Ryan and company have given direct orders to keep the snack bin stocked with special diet-friendly goodies this week .. including:

-- Cherry, Pecan Cranberry Mix
-- Assorted Fruit
-- Various energy bars
-- Snack Wells Cookies
-- Oatmeal
-- Raisin Brain, Heart-to-Heart, Frosted Flakes, and Corn Flakes
-- Popcorn
-- Fruit Strips
-- 3 flavors of Potato Chips ... Zesty Jalapeño, Sweet Maui Onion, and Backyard BBQ

Who's hungry???