Sportsnaut
The New York Jets went 5-12 season, a disappointing result but a much-needed one that brought changes to the organization. With a new regime in charge and Aaron Rodgers gone, each game on the Jets’ schedule this year will deliver a glimpse at the future. So, while they won’t win many games, it’s all about taking steps forward in this new era.
Let’s dive into our game-by-game predictions based on the Jets’ schedule.
This shouldn’t be viewed as a revenge game for Aaron Rodgers, considering the Jets did everything he wanted for two years. However, the future Hall of Famer will absolutely treat it like one. The Pittsburgh Steelers roster is also significantly better than the Jets’ roster and New York will be adjusting to a new coaching regime. All of that culminates in a 10-point loss.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has a career 9-4 record against the Jets, including three straight wins. He’s going to extend that run in Week 2, running through and passing all over a Jets’ defense that will still be settling into a new scheme. Justin Fields and the Jets’ offense will put up a few points late in the second half, but the Bills largely dominate this one.
Facing two of the best teams in football in consecutive weeks is a tough draw for New York, and traveling to Florida in September doesn’t make it any better. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the offensive line and complementary receivers to cause real trouble for New York’s defense. Tampa Bay’s interior defensive line will also cause havoc for Fields and the Jets’ run game. It will be three consecutive two-score losses for New York.
Realistically, this is the earliest in the season when the Jets will have a chance to win. Much like the matchup against Tampa Bay, though, Florida’s excessive heat and Miami’s high humidity will prove to be a problem. The Jets will keep it a lot closer against the Miami Dolphins, but a tired defense in the fourth quarter gives up a late scoring drive for a seven-point lead. Fields gets a shot at a game-winning drive, but the effort falls short.
While the Dallas Cowboys might not be as good as they were a few seasons ago, they have difference-makers at key positions. Dak Prescott can target George Pickens or CeeDee Lamb—whichever Sauce Gardner isn’t covering—and the Cowboys’ offensive line will give him time to throw. Meanwhile, Micah Parsons will lead a Dallas pass rush that records multiple sacks, helping keep the Jets’...
