New York Jets

Top 3 toughest teams Jets will face in 2016

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:43 p.m. ET

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The New York Jets have a brutal schedule this upcoming season since these top three teams will easily be the toughest they will face.

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) reacts against the Green Bay Packers during an NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As the New York Jets prepare for the season that awaits, all eyes will be if they can truly be considered contenders this time around. The Jets surprised many in 2015 by posting a 10-6 record but the truth of the matter is they had a pretty easily schedule.

In 2016, the Jets will be tested heavily right off the bat. With a tough slate of opponents six weeks into the season, it could either be what sends a message to the NFL or puts them towards a forgettable season if things get out of hand.

Luckily for the Jets, they had a successful offseason by all accounts as their pass rush got faster, they added some key talent via free agency, and had another solid NFL Draft. At least this roster has a fighting chance against any team, regardless what obstacles are ahead of them.

Without further ado, here are the top three NFL teams the Jets will face this upcoming season.

Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

3. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have been the laughing-stock for many years and now they are finally a contender. It will be a true test for the Jets’ offense going up against the Arizona defense who have been ranked in the top 5 for the past few seasons. Running backs

Running backs Matt Forte, and Bilal Powell will need to establish the running game for the Jets’ offense to be successful. The passing game will need to be on point because of the Cardinals’ secondary flying around on the field. They all attack the football and make offenses frustrated.

The two people who the Jets will need to focus on the defensive side of the ball are defensive backs, Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu. These two are unstoppable and almost make every tackle on the field. These players are the captains and the voice of the defense that everyone responds to. Ryan Fitzpatrick has to be very smart with the ball and make sure he and the offensive line are on the same page because the stadium is enclosed and it will be very loud.

The Jets’ defense will need to stop an explosive Cardinals offense that could put up a lot of points. They will need to control the running game because the Cardinals have a two-headed monster in running backs David Johnson and Andre Ellington. These two have caused problems to a plethora of defenses.

The passing game is a huge concern because it’s lead by potent wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd and their big tight end Jermaine Gresham. Defensive backs Darrelle Revis, Buster Skrine, and Marcus Williams will need to pressure the receivers and make them feel uncomfortable.

Overall, this game will be a fun one to watch that many people will be watching. The Jets will probably struggle in the beginning of the game but they will be able to figure it out to leave victorious. In the second half, the Jets will put a lot of pressure on quarterback Carson Palmer thanks to defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson who will be getting to him consistently.

Final Prediction: Jets 21, Cardinals 14

Next: 2. This team is tough as steel

Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs against New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams (25) in the first quarter of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

The rematch of the AFC Championship Game from the 2010-2011 season will be an exciting and fun game to watch. The Steelers usually have owned the Jets because of how physical and talented they are. The Jets have only won once at Heinz field and that was during the regular season. This year’s Steelers team will be too much for the Jets to handle and they won’t be able to handle them, unfortunately.

Revis will need to contain Antonio Brown who is the best wide receiver in the game and the Jets’ defensive front will need to contain running back Le’Veon Bell who is a threat to be a game changer. Who can also be a huge problem for the Jets to contain is wide receiver Sammie Coates who is fast and physical. The Jets’ secondary will need to help one another to contain Coates and Brown because they can cause havoc like there is no tomorrow.

The Jets’ offense will need to match point for point with the Steelers which they could do because they have plenty of talent. The main player who will need to help out wide receivers Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall is Quincy Enunwa. It will be important for him to establish a presence in this matchup. The Steelers’ defense hasn’t been like they were in the past so the Jets need to get going fast.

Overall, the Jets wont be able to go point for point with the Steelers and their offense will struggle to get things going. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will able to play his type of game and it will be too much for the Jets to handle. It will come down to the end were the Steelers will win on a game-winning field goal.

Final Prediction: Steelers 24, Jets 21

Next: 1. Beware the 12th Man

1. Seattle Seahawks

This game will be very good matchup for both teams having two top defenses going up against one another. This game will be a very low scoring contest that the Jets will have to win the line of scrimmage battle. Seattle also rarely makes the east coast flight for a game which could make it difficult for them to start off strong.

With Marshall being contained by cornerback Richard Sherman, this will be the game that Decker will have a breakout performance. Also, the Jets’ special teams will have a big play that could change the game in a big way.

Expect wide receiver Jalin Marshall to be a game changer that will cause havoc to the Seahawks’ defense. The Jets’ defensive front can contain quarterback Russell Wilson which would make their offense one-dimensional. The running game wont be as effectivive for the Seahawks since the retirement of running back Marshawn Lynch. This past season, the Seahawks struggled in the running game which they weren’t as productive.

The Jets defensive line of Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson, Leonard Williams, and rookie Jordan Jenkins will need to use their speed against the offensive line of the Seahawks.

Overall, this game will be won by who makes the first big mistake of the game and who can take advantage of it. The offensive side of the ball as well as the special teams will be the key factor for who wins this game. The Jets should be able to win it thanks to the talent they have on the offensive side of the football and make it difficult for the Seahawks’ defense to contain.

Final Prediction: Jets 14, Seahawks 7