Now that the New York Jets bye week has come and gone, lets take a quick look at Gang Green’s remaining schedule.
10/31 Green Bay (4-3) The Packers are a dangerous team as their passing offense can score points in bunches. Defensively Green Bay has struggled, especially against the run, which plays to one of the Jets strengths. It will be interesting to see how Gang Green plays coming off of their bye week. The home crowd will be fired up, will Gang Green match their energy?
11/7 @ Detroit (1-5) The Lions are much improved, especially on offense where they are ranked 16th overall, and 7th in passing. It is on defense where Detroit struggles as they are ranked 27th. On paper this is a game the Jets should win with their ground and pound running attack.
11/14 @ Cleveland (2-5) The Jets get their first shot at former coach Eric Mangini which will make for great storylines. The Browns are a young team, playing with nothing to lose, which makes them very dangerous. Just ask the New Orleans Saints. I expect the Jets to come out with some extra juice for this one, as several current players would love to get back at their former coach.
11/21 Houston (4-2) The Houston Texans are a team that is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. As of this point the team’s performance has not been very consistent, but they remain a contending team in the AFC. The Jets defense will have their hands full with the Texans 4th ranked offense.
11/25 Cincinnati (2-4) A Thanksgiving night game that was intended to be a primetime matchup between 2 contending teams. Well the Bengals have been a disappointment thus far, and could be a team in turmoil by the time this game is played.
12/6 @ New England (5-1) A Monday night battle against one of the Jets biggest rivals. This game could have serious playoff implications, not only for the division, but also for playoff seeding. The Jets won the first meeting this season 28-14.
12/12 Miami (3-3) Back to back tough games for Gang Green as they take on another division rival. As with the Pats game, this matchup could have serious playoff implications as well. Gang Green beat the Fish back in week 3 31-23.
12/19 @ Pittsburgh (5-1) This could be the Jets toughest road test of the season as the Steelers are arguably one of the best teams in the NFL. Pittsburgh brings an excellent defense to the table, along with a powerful offense. Add in the home field advantage and the Jets will have the cards stacked against them in this one.
12/26 @ Chicago (4-3) The Bears got off to a quick start, but have come back to reality now that teams have figured out Mike Martz’ schemes. Chicago is no easy place to play, especially in December, but the Jets defense and ground and pound offense are a good formula heading into the game.
1/2 Buffalo (0-6) The Jets close out the regular season with the Buffalo Bills, a team that could be looking at the #1 pick in the 2011 draft. There is a good chance that the Bills will have mailed in the season by this game, which could be important as the Jets may be fighting for playoff positioning.
It is hard to predict how the rest of the season will play out, but the Jets will definitely face some challenges as the season progresses. The three game stretch of New England, Miami, and Pittsburgh could dictate the Jets season.
The odds are in the Jets favor to make the playoffs, but right now they aren’t favored to win the Super Bowl.
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