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The New York Jets‘ Week 16 matchup sees the team take on the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars in a clash that will have major implications on the upcoming NFL Draft. With that in mind, we'll take a look at the Jets-Jaguars game with some Jets Week 16 predictions to discuss.
It's hard to find much reason to be excited about this matchup, where two of the worst teams in the NFL will be pitted up against one another. The main storyline in this one will surely be the quarterback matchup between the top two picks of the 2021 NFL Draft, Zach Wilson and Trevor Lawrence. Neither one of the rookie QBs has impressed this season, but they'll have a chance to shift that narrative in Week 16.
Cue up the AC/DC. pic.twitter.com/TP1QC0M2UD
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 24, 2021
The Jets enter play coming off a 31-24 loss to the Dolphins. Wilson didn't manage to pick apart the Dolphins' defense but finished the game without throwing an interception (a rare accomplishment for the rookie) and he also added a rushing touchdown. He'll be at a disadvantage again in Week 16, however, with the likes of Corey Davis, Jamison Crowder, and Elijah Moore expected to be sidelined for the game.
A win would see the Jets improve to 4-11 on the year, though you can bet your bottom dollar there's a significant amount of the fan base hoping for a loss on Sunday. Nevertheless, it's time to discuss our Jets Week 16 predictions.
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New York Jets Week 16 Predictions
4. Tevin Coleman records 100 rushing yards and first TD of the season
The Jets will likely be without rookie running back Michael Carter in this one after he was placed on the COVID-19 list earlier in the week. After Ty Johnson's recent woes, it looks as if Coleman will be the lead back for New York in Week 16, and against a dismal Jaguars' defense he could be in line for his biggest game of the season. Coleman has recorded 50+ rushing yards in each of the past three weeks, and with the backfield potentially all to himself on Sunday, he will look to build on his recent successes. The veteran running back hasn't scored a rushing touchdown all year, so he'll be extra-motivated to cross the goal line on Sunday. Coleman's role has increased with the injuries faced by Jets players, and he's seen more than 35% of the offensive snaps in each of the past three weeks. He'll have plenty of opportunity to rack up some yardage on Sunday and try to make a big play or two.
3. Trevor Lawrence rolls over the Jets defense
The Jets defense may be the worst unit in the NFL, and just about every opposing quarterback has picked them apart week after week. While Trevor Lawrence hasn't had much success in the NFL, the Clemson product could be due for a huge game against the Jets. New York has allowed 249.9 passing yards per game this season, fifth-worst in the league, so Lawrence will have a chance to deal some major damage. Lawrence has struggled with accuracy in 2021, throwing 14 interceptions across his first 14 games, and the Jets rank among the worst teams in the league in terms of forcing interceptions. Despite picking Tua Tagovailoa off twice in Week 15, Lawrence shouldn't have much difficulty with handling the team's lowly secondary.
2. Zach Wilson scores two rushing touchdowns
Wilson will be without his top offensive weapons on Sunday, with Crowder, Davis, Moore and possibly Carter all shelved for Week 16. Without many reliable pass-catching options, Wilson will be forced to run more frequently, unless he wants to feed Braxton Berrios double-digit targets. Wilson has scored a rushing touchdown in three of his past four games, and will be looking to use his feet to get points on the board against the Jaguars with so few weapons at his disposal. Wilson has never rushed more than four times in a game, though over the past two weeks he's been more mobile than ever, recording 45 rushing yards on seven carries with two touchdowns during that brief span.
1. Jets move up the draft board with a loss on Sunday
The Jets are crippled with a COVID outbreak heading into the holiday weekend, with as many as 13 players on the COVID list. With so many absent players, they'll have a difficult time handling any team, even one that has struggled as much as Jacksonville. A Jets' loss would see both teams sit at 3-12, but the Jets would have the upper-hand in terms of draft pick due to their head-to-head record. While a loss might not be the most enjoyable outcome on Sunday, the Jets may end up be being better off because of it in the long run.
