Here at Last Word on Pro Football, we are analyzing every game for all 32 teams with the most difficult (1-8) covering one article and the easiest (9-16) in a second article. This article features the most difficult games for the New York Jets in 2020.
New York Jets Most Difficult Games in 2020
1. Week 8: at Kansas City Chiefs
A no brainer here at number one, as the Jets head to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the reigning champs. The Chiefs return almost a full starting unit on both sides of the ball, led by head coach Andy Reid. Going up against a questionable Jets cornerback group, Patrick Mahomes could have a field day. As for Gang Green, it will be tough sledding against a formidable Chiefs pass rush.
2. Week 2: vs San Francisco 49ers
The losers of last year’s Super Bowl are certainly no pushovers, as the 49ers head to New Jersey. General manager Joe Douglas made sure to retool their offensive line this off-season, and that he did. However, a front made up of Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Dee Ford, and more is no joke. It makes for a tough test for the new-look offensive line early on, and one that could get ugly.
3. Week 14: at Seattle Seahawks
The first of the Jets late-season back-to-back on the west coast, they will have to slow down a Seahawks team that has Super Bowl hopes. MVP candidate Russell Wilson has yet to lose to the Jets in his career and will not be looking to start in December. New York has not beaten Seattle in 16 years, with their last win in Seattle coming in 1997. And do not forget, Pete Carroll would be thrilled to steal a non-conference win against his former team.
4. Week 15: at Los Angeles Rams
Following the Seattle game, the Jets stay on the west coast to take on the Rams. Now, the Rams are without former stars Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks. Yet they still are led by offensive mastermind head coach Sean McVay. An arsenal of Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Tyler Higbee, and plenty more including Jets wide receiver coach Shawn Jefferson‘s son Van is going to keep defensive coordinator Gregg Williams up all night. Given the questionable cornerback room the Jets have, they could be in for a long day in LA.
5. Week 1: at Buffalo Bills
Especially opening the season in Buffalo, the Jets’ schedule starts rough right out of the gate. The Bills are not the division pushover they were a decade ago, as they are the division favorites in 2020. Last season, Buffalo was held scoreless until late in the third quarter when Buffalo started a comeback once Jets star linebacker CJ Mosley got hurt. This year, while the Jets are improved and healthy again, so is Buffalo. With the addition of receiver Stefon Diggs and many more, the Jets will have their hands full trying to win a third straight at New Era Field.
6. Week 17: at New England Patriots
To close the season, the Jets will travel to Foxborough hoping to end the season with a division win. While quarterback Tom Brady resides in the NFC South, Bill Belichick remains in the AFC East to haunt the Jets. Their defense is still one of the best in the league, and whether in position for the playoffs or not, Belichick is not going to back down. Lost season for both teams or not, this will be a battle that could change the tides in this rivalry.
7. Week 16: vs Cleveland Browns
Nothing would bring Jets fans more holiday joy than to get out from under the Browns shadow. In their third matchup in three years, it will only be the second between former first and third overall picks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold. With both quarterbacks entering crucial third years, it will be a holiday weekend showdown in New Jersey. Not to mention Odell Beckham Jr always puts on a show when at MetLife.
8. Week 9: vs New England Patriots
In what will be the first meeting between these two teams, Darnold returns from Kansas City to face Belichick. With two losses and six turnovers in two games against the Patriots, this will be a big test for him on Monday Night Football. Especially if he hopes to get fans around the league to forget his horrific performance last year in prime time. In what will be a revenge game for Darnold, Jets fans would love nothing more than to knock out the Brady-less Patriots in their first try. And at 3-5 all-time against Belichick, head coach Adam Gase might just be the guy to do it.
Don’t forget to read about the eight easiest games for the 2020 New York Jets.
