- CLUTCH Summary: The Jets should be able to make positive steps during the 2019 NFL season
- Adam Gase's team will increase their win total by five from a season ago
- The most anticipated matchup on the Jets' schedule is Le'Veon Bell facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16
The New York Jets enter the 2019 season with a lot of hope and optimism surrounding them. And rightfully so as they've had themselves quite a busy offseason. A new GM, new head coach and a plethora of big free-agent signings and trades coupled with the fact they believe they've found their quarterback of the future in Sam Darnold.
That being said it all looks nice on paper but you still have to go out and play the games.
Here is a prediction of how each game will turn out for this New York Jets squad.
*Note: Week 4 is not included as the Jets are on a bye*
Week 1 vs. Buffalo Bills (W)
The Jets will start their season at home against division rival Buffalo. Last season the Jets lost their home game against the Bills in a 41-10 blowout. A game in which Matt Barkley was the starting quarterback and was the icing on the cake of what was a terrible season. With a new-look team, I predict the Jets will make a statement in week 1 and win convincingly.
Week 2 vs. Cleveland Browns (W)
The Jets' first real test comes very early in the season. They’re at home on Monday Night Football taking on the improved Cleveland Browns. Last season, the two teams clashed on Thursday Night Football, a game that saw the rise of Baker Mayfield on the NFL stage. Baker led the Browns to a comeback win after replacing Tyrod Taylor midway through the game. Even with new weapons on offense and defense, I predict the Jets get revenge on Cleveland in front of what’s sure to be a raucous MetLife Stadium crowd.
Week 3 at New England Patriots (L)
Since he became the starter for the Patriots, Tom Brady has had the Jets number in just about every matchup, especially at home. The Jets haven’t beaten the Patriots on the road since the AFC championship game back in 2011. The Jets will lose this game, although it’ll be competitive.
Week 5 at Philadelphia Eagles (L)
The Jets take a trip down the turnpike to take on the Eagles. Philadelphia is still one of the better teams in the league and will most likely be a playoff team. Assuming Carson Wentz will be healthy and the Eagles defense continues to live up to its name, it might be a tough day for the Jets, especially on defense.
Week 6 vs. Dallas Cowboys (L)
Another early-season test for the Jets. Dallas, much like Philadelphia, is going to be a playoff contender. Assuming Ezekiel Elliott isn’t sitting out still, the Cowboys offense will be a daunting task for the Jets' defense.
Week 7 vs. New England Patriots (L)
The Jets losing streak continues as the Patriots come to MetLife Stadium. Taking on Brady and the Pats is hard enough but especially when your team is struggling. The game should be very competitive much like last year's matchup at MetLife was. However, I predict New England will win in a one-possession game.
Week 8 at Jacksonville Jaguars (W)
After an early-season losing streak, the Jets right the ship down in Jacksonville. New York’s defense should be able to contain Nick Foles and that Jacksonville offense. Also, expect a big game out of Le’Veon Bell.
Week 9 at Miami Dolphins (W)
Although he won’t be playing, this is a revenge game for Adam Gase who was Miami’s coach last season. Miami isn’t expected to be good this year, so look for Gase to pull out some extra plays to stick it to his former club. Last season, the Jets scored only 6 points in their game down in Miami. Points definitely won’t be at a premium in what’s sure to be a resounding victory.
Week 10 vs. New York Giants (W)
A game that happens only once every 4 years (not including the preseason), the Jets vs. the Giants is always a matchup for bragging rights. Many questions are surrounding the Giants heading into this season, with one of them being when sixth overall pick Daniel Jones will start. No matter who starts for the Giants in this game, the Jets are a more talented team on both sides of the ball and will come out victorious.
Week 11 at Washington Redskins (W)
New York keeps its winning ways going as they go down to Maryland and defeat the Redskins. With a better roster than Washington, New York should have another easy victory.
Week 12 vs Oakland Raiders (L)
Most winning streaks must come to an end at some point and for New York, it stops with Oakland. Assuming Antonio Brown is still playing football by then, I expect the combination of Brown and Derek Carr to torch the Jets' mediocre secondary. It won't be a blowout but it'll potentially be a double-digit loss.
Week 13 at Cincinnati Bengals (W)
The Jets get back on track with a win against the Bengals on the road. Cincinnati will be the easiest AFC North team New York will face on the season.
Week 14 vs. Miami Dolphins (W)
At this point in the season, Miami will be looking forward to the offseason. With the Jets at a predicted 7-5 at this point in the season, the talk of playoffs will be in the air. This game could be a trap game for New York if they're not careful.
Week 15 at Baltimore Ravens (L)
The Jets head down to Maryland one more time but this time to take on the Baltimore Ravens. At Week 15 in the season, a December game down in Baltimore is no easy feat. It might be a tough day for Sam Darnold and the Jets offense.
Week 16 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (L)
The much-anticipated revenge game of Le’Veon Bell against his former team. Emotions should be high is a late-season battle, especially with playoff implications on the line. Although Bell might go off, Big Ben and the Steelers play spoiler and win on the road.
Week 17 at Buffalo Bills (W)
After back to back loses the Jets head up to Orchard Park and finish the year on a positive note. Last season, the Jets won a nail biter in Week 14 when Darnold led the Jets to a comeback win in the fourth quarter. This one won’t be as suspenseful but the outcome will still be the same with a Jets win.
Jets' Record Prediction: 9-7
With that being said, I predict the Jets will finish the season with a 9-7 record, which would be a five-win increase from last season.
They’ll beat the teams they should beat and lose to the ones they should.
It may not be enough to make the playoffs, however, it is a good stepping stone for the future.
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