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 most difficult games on their schedule in 2022, ranked in order with one being the most difficult.
Check out the New York Jets Easiest Games of 2022.
Most Difficult Games on 2022 New York Jets Schedule
#1: Week 14 @ Buffalo Bills
Who else would be the Jets most difficult game of 2022? The Buffalo Bills are the current head of the AFC East, coming off their second straight crown. Quarterback Josh Allen is 5-2 on his career against New York with four straight wins. As the AFC runner-up in 2021, beating the Bills will be the Jets biggest task of the season. Looking to do so come Week 14 is a daunting task, especially with the game being in front of one of the loudest fan bases in football.
#2: Week 9 vs Buffalo Bills
Once again, the Jets are chasing the Bills. Before looking at the playoffs or anything down the road, the goal is to control the division. Beating Buffalo at home in Week 9 would be the Jets best shot at doing so. Buffalo, led by Allen and an elite pass offense, will force a young Jets secondary to rise to the occasion. Meanwhile, this will be a massive test for second-year quarterback Zach Wilson. The Bills have one of the most consistent defenses in the league. For the Jets, putting up a fight in this game will go a long way to proving they are heading in the right direction. After all, the Jets two losses to the Bills last season were by a combined score of 72-27 score.
#3: Week 1 vs Baltimore Ravens
How is a team that missed the playoffs in 2021 the third most difficult game? Well, simply put, the Baltimore Ravens have historically owned the New York Jets. Head-to-head all-time, the Ravens are 9-2 against the Jets, with the Jets having last won in 2016. For those who do not recall, the last time these two teams met, Gang Green was embarrassed on Thursday Night Football to the score of 42-21 during the 2019 season. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tossed five touchdown passes and rushed for 86 yards.
With Jackson once again under center for the Ravens, the Jets run defense will be attacked. Already one of the more concerning areas of the defense, New York will have to stop a backfield featuring a healthy J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and more. Playing at home Week 1 will be a boost, but it also emphasizes the pre-season and the need for immediate team chemistry. One of the youngest teams in the league, the Jets hosting an experienced Ravens squad is jumping right into playing a playoff contender out of the gate.
#4: Week 7 @ Denver Broncos
Right off of the bat, it is not easy playing in Denver, Colorado. The thin air makes it difficult to breathe, and athletes face that challenge anytime playing there. In this October matchup, the weather will be getting colder and the Jets have to go against Russell Wilson. The Denver Broncos acquired the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback to elevate an already playoff-caliber roster. With new Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett calling the shots, Denver is a team gearing up to win now. Towards the end of what is a difficult stretch to start the season, stealing a win in Denver would be a major upset.
#5: Week 3 vs Cincinnati Bengals
Ranking the reigning AFC Champions as the fifth most difficult game of the season is not a knock against their talent. Joe Burrow is a rising star, and so is their plethora of playmakers around him. They have a good enough offensive line and a sound defense. However, New York will be playing at home at MetLife Stadium and did beat the Cincinnati Bengals last season in the Mike White game. With a healthy Zach Wilson and upgraded weapons, the Jets should be able to compete against in this one.
#6: Week 6 @ Green Bay Packers
Like Denver, playing at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers is never fun. In mid-October, who knows what the weather winds up being. The Packers have won this matchup the previous three meetings, with the Jets last win against Green Bay coming with Chad Pennington under center. This game is not one the Jets have any business winning, being up against the NFC North favorites and last year’s league MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Nevertheless, the last time these two teams played Sam Darnold threw for almost 350 yards and three touchdowns. So, in other words, anything can happen when these two teams meet.
#7: Week 18 @ Miami Dolphins
Welcome the Miami Dolphins to the most difficult matchup list. Traveling to Miami in Week 18, the Jets would love to win their season finale and head into 2023 on a high note (unless they continue onto the playoffs). But the same can also be said about the Dolphins. Miami, who acquired the fastest in-game receiver in the league in Tyreek Hill, has their eyes set on the playoffs. Winning their season finale will certainly go a long way towards securing their playoff spot. The Jets have won just two of the last 12 meetings against the Dolphins, and beating in-division talent is a must in being a competitive team.
#8: Week 11 @ New England Patriots
Lastly, the New England Patriots remain the Jets biggest foe. As long as Bill Belichick is their Head Coach, heading to Foxborough will be something no Jets fan looks forward to. In the 2010 AFC Divisional Round playoff game the Jets won 28-21 was the last time New York won one in New England. 11 straight away loses and 12 overall in a row, beating the Patriots is easier said than done for the Jets. This will be their second time meeting the Patriots in 2022, with this one coming off of their bye week.
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