Although they didn’t play a game, the New York Jets enjoyed a fortunate bye-week. Entering the week on a two-game winning streak, the Jets watched as the Patriots defeated the Bills and the Eagles defeated the Dolphins. Those losses now put New York one game behind Buffalo for second in the division and on the cusp of the last wildcard spot. A lot can happen in the 11 remaining games, but the next three weeks can be adventitious for New York.
Within their next three games, the Jets will face the New York Giants, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Las Vegas Raiders. All three teams enter this week with losing records. On paper, this is one of the easiest schedules the New York Jets will see this season. Between them, all three have been dealing with inconsistency and injuries to important players. The Jets can’t afford to squander this opportunity.
The Next 3 Games Vital for New York Jets Playoff Hopes
The New York Jets are nearly halfway through the 2023 season. Their current record stands at three wins and three losses. They are in third place in the AFC East behind the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills. After Aaron Rodgers suffered his Achilles injury, fans and pundits alike were ready to write off the Jets this season. But alas, the team remained steadfast led by their remarkable defense. The inspirational return to form of Breece Hall has been the ingredient missing in New York’s offense in late 2022. Therefore, pairing him with Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard has allowed the offense to produce. Despite the shortcomings of Zach Wilson, the second-overall pick in 2021 has looked much better since the Cowboys’ loss. Wilson seems to have a better understanding of the offense, having only one interception in his last 134 passes.
Jets vs. Giants: The Battle for New Jersey
In their first game back from the bye week, the New York Jets will be facing the New York Giants in Metlife Stadium. After making the postseason last year, the Giants have struggled mightily to regain their strong offense from last year. At fault, this stems from multiple injuries including but not limited to offensive tackle Andrew Thomas, running back Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Daniel Jones. As of this moment, their current record is 2-5. They are coming off a victory over NFC East rival Washington Commanders.
The Jets key to victory will be containing quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Taylor has fared well replacing an injured Daniel Jones. He displayed the same athleticism that made him a star in Buffalo back in 2017. The Jets’ defensive line will have to take advantage of the Giants’ line in order to pressure him into mistakes and take away rushing lanes from Saquon Barkley. A victory against the Giants will mark the first time the Jets have defeated their blue-cladded neighbors three years in a row.
Jets vs. Chargers: Brandon Staley’s last stand?
The NFL Trade Deadline taking place on Halloween, the Jets will be playing their first game post-deadline at Metlife against the Los Angeles Chargers. Similar to the Giants, the Chargers are another playoff team last year stricken with inconsistency. Star running back has been dealing with injuries and the absence of center Corey Linsley has made life hard for quarterback Justin Herbert. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has failed to unlock the offense as many had hoped. Which, when combined with Brandon Staley’s unprecedented decision-making making has resulted in a disappointing season thus far. Staley’s job assuredly is on the hot seat after the disastrous performance in the wildcard game last year.
The Jets defense should be able to hold their own against Herbert. The main concern will be if the Jets’ offensive line can hold up against Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. It will be a tall task for Mekhi Becton on the left side of the line. However, the return of Joe Tippmann will be a major benefit to the offense. His presence will help create more opportunities for Breece Hall to take advantage of in the running game.
Jets vs. Raiders: Old faces in new places
Like the Chargers, the Las Vegas Raiders are another team in a less-than-promising season. Year two of the Josh McDaniels tenure has resulted in Las Vegas at a crossroads. Their Derek Carr replacement in Jimmy Garoppolo hasn’t given the results they hoped for. The defense has taken a step back under Patrick Graham. The franchise is still deciding on whether or not to extend running back Josh Jacobs. As of this moment, they stand in second place in the AFC West with a 3-4 record.
Victory will be earned on the line of scrimmage. Maxx Crosby and Tyree Wilson will be a handful for the team to deal with. The key will be to get the ball out of Zach Wilson’s hands as soon as possible. Hackett must do everything he can to protect his quarterback from the Raiders’ vicious pass rush.
If New York can manage to escape this stretch with at least two wins, it will be beneficial for their playoff chances. The Trade Deadline should hopefully lead to another impact addition. With two inter-division games against Buffalo and Miami afterward, New York can significantly close the division gap. With the potential of Aaron Rodgers returning becoming more evident, the Jets are in a really good place right now.
Main Photo: [Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com] – USA Today Sports
