With training camp underway and the preseason fast approaching, Last Word on Pro Football is analyzing the schedules of all 32 NFL teams. Each team’s 16-game slate will be split into its most difficult (1-8) and easiest games (9-16). For this article, the easiest games on the New York Jets 2019 schedule are under the microscope.
New York Jets Most Difficult Games
New York Jets Easiest Games of 2019
9. Week 8: @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Nobody knows exactly what the Jacksonville Jaguars will be in 2019. Nick Foles is a big upgrade over Blake Bortles. Yet, without a number one receiver, still an inconsistent offensive line, and the questions surrounding Leonard Fournette, the Jaguars could have a lost season by this point already. On the other hand, this is still a very good defense led by disgruntled stars in Jalen Ramsey and Yannick Ngakoue.
10. Week 1: vs Buffalo Bills
In the season opener, Sam Darnold goes against fellow 2018 first-rounder Josh Allen. Both look to lead improved teams to playoff berths, as well as take expected second-year leaps. This is going to be a fun game to watch between the two as they look to start the season on the right track. The Jets offense against the Bills defense will be huge. The Bills offense, while improved, still lacks established weapons around Allen. Not to mention, who knows if LeSean McCoy will even be on the roster at this point. Jets fans will sell out this game, as it is the most anticipated season opener in years.
11. Week 12: vs Oakland Raiders
This game is not as much of where will the Jets be, but more of who will the Oakland Raiders be. If Jon Gruden really did fix this team, this will be a good game between two playoff hopefuls. If not, then Jets fans will enjoy watching Sam Darnold and the crew tearing up the inexperienced defense of the Raiders.
12. Week 13: @ Cincinnati Bengals
Playing in Cincinnati has had mixed results for the Jets in recent history. With a new head coach in Zac Taylor, the Cincinnati Bengals tinkered with the roster rather than a full-scale rebuild. Already, things have gone south. 2019 first-round pick Jonah Williams is out the season, and veteran Clint Boling retired. Not to mention, star receiver AJ Green‘s status for the season opener is up in the air.
The Bengals offensive line is still one of the worst in the league. Same goes for their defense, despite some solid experienced players. This is the Jets sixth straight 1:00 pm Sunday game in a row.
13. Week 11: @ Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins game is not going to be an easy one. This is a stingy defense led by outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, and they will compete until the end. Yet this should be a win for the Jets. While playing at FedEx Field, the offense is given anyone a headache. Will it be Colt McCoy, Case Keenum, or Dwayne Haskins at quarterback? Will Adrian Peterson continue to defy age? What happens with Derrius Guice? Will Jordan Reed stay healthy? Who is their number one receiver? Is Trent Williams still holding out or off the team? This game will be fought in the trenches and the Jets should win.
14. Week 9: @ Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a rebuilding team with a new head coach in Brian Flores. As they enter a likely tanking season, their quarterback situation is a mess. Chances are they could roll out former Jet Ryan Fitzpatrick to start, or former college rival of Sam Darnold in Josh Rosen. They do not have any established stars on offense, and nobody has a safe job on defense outside of Pro Bowl corner Xavien Howard.
However, it is important to note the Jets have gone three straight seasons losing in Miami. At 5-4 since 2010 playing in Florida heat, the Jets must win this game to put together a playoff run. This is an important game during a stretch of easier opponents for Gang Green.
15. Week 10: vs New York Giants
The battle of MetLife should be a one-sided affair this year, but do not underestimate the New York Giants. Their fans will surely still represent Big Blue and star running back Saquon Barkley.
At the same time, who knows whether Eli Manning will still be starting. It very well might be rookie Daniel Jones. Their receivers are a hot mess in terms of health, and while their offensive line is improved, it is nowhere near rock solid. The defense is being rebuilt, and ultimately, this should be a statement win against their fellow New York squad.
16. Week 14: vs Miami Dolphins
Five weeks after their first contest, the Miami Dolphins make their way to MetLife. If the Jets have any hope of making the playoffs, this is a must-win. Fans will surely roll out to what should be a win for Darnold and the crew against a poor Dolphins defense. Once again, the Dolphins are a likely tanking team, meaning by this point, everyone is playing for their jobs. Youth should take over, with Josh Rosen probably seeing playtime by now if not already. This should be an easy win for the Jets at home during the home stretch of the year.
New York Jets Most Difficult Games
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