The Jets are coming off of a year in which they came one win shy of a playoff berth, only to see it slip away in Week 17. It’s been a busy offseason — one that resulted in a handful of changes on offense. The Jets swapped Chris Ivory out for Matt Forte at running back, getting older but more versatile at the position. Ryan Fitzpatrick, who had the most senseless standoff with the team, re-signed with the Jets to come back as the starter, solidifying the position for at least one more year. Staying on offense, the Jets have a new left tackle in Ryan Clady following the retirement of D’Brickashaw Ferguson, which could wind up being an upgrade for New York. Much of the defense remains intact, with the exception of Antonio Cromartie, but he was terrible in 2015 anyway. If there has ever been a huge opportunity for the Jets to unseat the Patriots at the top of the AFC East, it’s this season with Tom Brady suspended. Perhaps Todd Bowles’ crew can get it done.
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The Jets are stacked on the defensive line, headlined by Sheldon Richardson and the recently re-signed Muhammad Wilkerson. But it’s Williams who’s worth keeping an eye on in his second year. He’s poised to make the Pro Bowl.
Everyone knows the Jets’ top two receivers, but there’s a bit of a gap between Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall, and the No. 3 guy. Enunwa, who close to returning from a concussion, can be that third option with his combination of size and speed.
The move from free to strong safety was a hugely beneficial one for Pryor last season. He played closer to the line of scrimmage and had a terrific year. He should continue to progress and will move towards being a possible Pro Bowler.
He may not be a household name yet, but Bilal Powell will pressure the oft-injured Forte for playing time throughout the 2016 season. Better known for his ability in the Jets’ passing game, Powell was out-touched by starter Ivory 277 to 117 last season. However, Powell’s earned an expanded role down the stretch. He caught 32 passes for 299 yards and three scores during his final six games. At one time an undrafted fantasy football asset, Powell’s average draft position has soared to the ninth round this August. He could be on the cusp of a breakthrough season.
(All lines courtesy of Bovada.com, as of 8/31)
Season win total over/under: 8 (over +130, under -160)
Odds to win the Super Bowl: 50/1. There are just too many questions for the Jets to make a Super Bowl bet worthwhile. Will Ryan Fitzpatrick be good enough? Can the offensive line stay healthy (and the same question for the wide receivers)? Are the linebackers ready to dominate and turn this into the best defense in the league? The potential payday for New York is rich, but it's not worth the risk.
One thing we wish we could bet on: Geno Smith being traded before the deadline. Of course, with all the uncertainty in New York, Smith could end up starting a game before this season is over. Based on Bowles' recent comments, however, it seems extraordinarily unlikely that Smith is still with the Jets come Week 8.
October 9, at Pittsburgh
The Jets don’t exactly have a cake walk to start the season, facing five 2015 playoff teams in the first six weeks, one of which is the Steelers. Their bout with Pittsburgh will be a pivotal one, given that Le’Veon Bell will be back from his impending three-game ban.
October 17, at Arizona
From Pittsburgh to Arizona, the Jets’ will face one of the tougher two-game road trips in the NFL. Coming away from these two games at 1-1 would be a positive, with a 2-0 record being a huge surprise and boost to their playoff odds.
December 5, vs. Indianapolis
In Week 13, the Jets will host Andrew Luck and the Colts, who are favorites in the AFC South. By this point, it will be fairly clear where the Jets’ season is headed — playoffs or not — but a win over the Colts could work wonders.
We say: 8-8
WhatIfSports simulation says: 9-7, Divisional Round playoff loss
— Cam DaSilva, Andrew Lynch (betting), Ryan Fowler (fantasy)
