With the NFL’s 2022 schedule now released, Last Word on Pro Football is analyzing the schedules of all 32 NFL teams. Each schedule for all 32 teams will be split into the most difficult games (1-8) and the easiest games (9-17). Here are the New York Jets easiest games on their schedule in 2022, ranked in order with 17 being the easiest.
Check out the New York Jets Most Difficult Games of 2022.
Easiest Games on 2022 New York Jets Schedule
#9: Week 2 @ Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns would be much higher on this list if it weren’t for the unknown status of Deshaun Watson. Facing the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback vs Baker Mayfield is a big difference because of the different elements they bring to the field. The mobility of Watson will challenge the Jets, in large part due to the Browns rushing duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Either way, this is a team gunning for a playoff spot, and the Jets stand in the way of a strong start.
#10: Week 4 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
In the last of four games straight playing the AFC North to start the season, there remains uncertainty of who will be the Pittsburgh Steelers starter. Will it be veteran Mitch Trubisky or rookie Kenny Pickett? Pittsburgh also possesses a great defense, led by pass rusher T.J. Watt, who will test the Jets offensive line all game long. The key to this game will be in the trenches, as both teams will look to establish the run game early to open up the pass game.
#11: Week 8 vs New England Patriots
Playing the New England Patriots is never fun, but hosting them at home always comes with the thought in the back of every Jets fan’s head “maybe we have a shot”. Well, in 2022, that is the case. The Patriots did not make any drastic moves to improve their roster from last season despite wanting to return to the playoffs again. In the NFL, beating division opponents is a must to prove that a roster is heading in the right direction following a rebuild. To beat the Patriots at home would also end the Jets 12-game losing streak to their rival.
#12: Week 5 vs Miami Dolphins
The first game against an AFC East opponent comes in Week 5 when the Jets host the Miami Dolphins. Another team with playoff aspirations, the Jets will need to win this game by getting after quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. With the defensive front firing on all cylinders, it will be difficult for the Dolphins to let Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle stretch the field. Additionally, the Jets will need to establish the run, as the Dolphins have a fantastic corner duo in Xavien Howard and Byron Jones.
#13: Week 13 @ Minnesota Vikings
Coming in as the Jets 13th ‘most difficult’ game of the season is the final of the on-paper playoff hopefuls. The Minnesota Vikings have elite talent on their roster. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson and running back Dalvin Cook are two of the best players at their respective positions. Yet, the Vikings imbalance across their roster has them as a boom or bust team in 2022. The Jets kick off their holiday season with this game, coming the first weekend of December. Heading to Buffalo the following week with an away win would be a statement entering the final stretch of the season.
#14: Week 17 @ Seattle Seahawks
The conclusion of the season will be crucial for the Jets, considering their opening half is against only playoff contenders or better. The final stretch is against teams of similar on-paper stature, including the Seattle Seahawks. Heading to old friend Jamal Adams‘ new home in Seattle, the Seahawks entered a full-blown rebuild this off-season. Of that who remain, receivers D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett will pose a challenge to the Jets secondary. However, this is far from the most difficult game on the Jets schedule.
#15: Week 12 vs Chicago Bears
It is easy to see the headlines entering this game now. Second-year quarterbacks Zach Wilson and Justin Fields will be going head-to-head for the first time in their young careers. Gang Green took drastic measures in putting weapons around Wilson, but the Chicago Bears, not as much. Chicago has a solid defense led by Roquan Smith, though, this game should be one where Wilson is able to show off his arm. As this potentially is a winnable game, it is one that the Jets must secure at home.
#16: Week 16 vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Like the Bears game, the Jacksonville Jaguars contest will be labeled the battle of Wilson and 2021 first overall pick Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars have a new head coach, new weapons around Lawrence, and no unnecessary distractions (at the moment). The last time these two teams met, the Jets won at home in 2021. In game two between these quarterbacks, the Jets will look to take advantage of playing on their own home turf yet again. This is also the Jets lone primetime game of 2022, as their Thursday Night Football battle comes four days after their last game.
#17: Week 15 vs Detroit Lions
Prior to the primetime Jaguars game, the Jets will host the Detroit Lions. Now, the Lions are a firey team that is much improved compared to last season. At the same time, the Jets will be playing at home, and have more talent on their roster than Detroit. While this is not going to be the most thrilling of the NFL’s slate in Week 15, it is a contest between two teams who could be on the climb come 2023.
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