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 toughest games on the New York Jets 2019 schedule are under the microscope.
New York Jets Most Difficult Games of 2019
1. Week 3: @ New England Patriots
The top spot is without question. It has been eight years since the Jets beat the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Tom Brady does not seem to be aging whatsoever. They added new weapons around him, and the offensive line is fully healthy. Bill Belichick rolls out one of the deepest defenses in the league led by shutdown corner Stephon Gilmore. Coming off the Browns game, the Jets lose a day of preparation entering Brady’s den. If the Jets want to make an early-season statement, this is the game to do it.
2. Week 5: @ Philadelphia Eagles
Carson Wentz leads one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the league for the Philadelphia Eagles. Wentz very well might have a field day against a thin cornerback group. Between their loaded backfield, and the return of DeSean Jackson the Eagles offense is one of the most dynamic in the league. And that defense could wreak havoc against the Jets offensive line. The Jets will enter as the heavy underdogs here as this game is in Philadelphia. All-time, the Eagles are undefeated against the Jets at 10-0. With the reloaded offense and better defense, the Jets will need a perfect gameplan to have a shot at pulling off the upset.
3. Week 7: vs New England Patriots
Playing primetime at home against the New England Patriots, this will mark the end of the tough seven-game stretch to open the season. In 2018, it was never truly seen what Sam Darnold can do against Brady. As in the first contest, Josh McCown started at quarterback, and the second featured an injury-riddled Jets offense around Sam. Now, Jets fans will get to see their quarterback take on their arch-nemesis at home with stars around him. This game could be crucial down the stretch for the division title race.
4. Week 2: vs Cleveland Browns
A game in which every fan has circled on their calendar, it is the Jets first prime time game of 2019. Last year, Darnold and the Jets lost the game to the debut of Baker Mayfield for the Cleveland Browns. This year, Darnold and Mayfield face yet again, this time with no 635-day losing streak at stake. Both teams have playoff aspirations. Odell Beckham Jr. makes his way back to New York. Le’Veon Bell makes his return to the primetime. This is arguably the most anticipated game for any Jets fan this season.
5. Week 15: @ Baltimore Ravens
Strong defense and second-year quarterbacks will be the storylines of this game. The Jets make the trip to face the Baltimore Ravens, which is never an easy outing. The Ravens lead the all-time series 8-2 and have never lost to Gang Green at home. John Harbaugh added safety Earl Thomas to an already talented defense, as well as adjusted the offense to Lamar Jackson‘s game. On the other hand, who knows if Jackson’s offense will work, or if they did enough to replace Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith on the edge.
6. Week 6: vs Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are good. No more mediocrity, as they are primed for the playoffs. Right in the midst of a tough start to the season for the Jets, this is a big one. Mainly because it will be at MetLife. Quarterback Dak Prescott and company run a good offense behind one of the best offensive lines. Their defense is one of the best in the league and is only going to get better. The Cowboys are a contender, and this will be one of those games where the Jets can show they are the real deal.
7. Week 16: vs Pittsburgh Steelers
This game does not have the primetime stage it should. Le’Veon Bell goes up against his former team in a likely playoff game atmosphere as the Jets take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The new era of players around the aging Ben Roethlisberger in JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner will be ready to play. This will be a big test for the Jets, especially with Pittsburgh’s ability to rush the passer. It will be an important game for the offensive line, in what could be an offensively explosive game from both teams.
8. Week 17: @ Buffalo Bills
It will be December and nasty weather in Buffalo New York. It will be week 17. The Jets playoff hopes could be on the line. Maybe the same for Buffalo. The stars could align for a loser goes home game here. In case it is not implied, the Jets must win this game. By this point, they will know what the Buffalo’s offensive weapons give quarterback Josh Allen. Their defense is already known as one of the best in the league. Same goes for Gang Green, as by the last week of the season, Buffalo will know what opponent the Jets are. This will be a fun one to watch for any fan.
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