The New York Jets have left fans scarred time and time again. This season, once again, New York’s fans are licking their wounds and getting excited about a new opportunity. With a new head coach, a new quarterback, and a top-ten pick at tackle, The Athletic’s Jacob Robinson has one simple question: “How does this implode?”.
“I asked the same question last year, as New York seemed primed to build off 2023’s Zach Wilson-led 7-10 finish,” Robinson writes. “They somehow got more dysfunctional while extending their playoff drought to 14 years.”
Robinson seems to feel optimistic about this iteration of the New York Jets despite the discouraging headline. He says that Breece Hall is ready for a three down role, and that Braelon Allen could become the thunder to his lightning. He also lists Justin Fields as his breakout player in the 2025 season, implying a bode of confidence in the 26-year-old taking the reigns.
Still, Robinson is unsure of whether or not the Jets can deliver on their new found expectations.
“Better than 2024? Not sure,” Robinson writes. “Leaning on a run game built behind an above-average offensive line and a defense that should bounce back under HC Aaron Glenn, the Jets should be better than 2024’s 5-12 record. How much better? That all hinges on Fields.”
Revisiting ESPN’s Optimistic Prediction
The Jets strength of schedule in 2025 is as middle of the road as it gets. According to Sharp Football Analysis, New York has the 16th hardest (0r easiest) schedule in the league.
Using the easy schedule as a crutch, ESPN’s Rich Cimini has a very optimistic outlook on the Jets 17.
“The Jets will close the season with a flurry, conjuring up comparisons to the 2022 Detroit Lions, Glenn’s previous team. They will win five out of their last six games, falling short of the playoffs but sparking hope for 2026. Only one of their final six opponents posted a winning record in 2024 (Bills)..,” Cimini writes.
“They play mostly teams in the same boat as they are — teams with new coaches and/or relatively inexperienced quarterbacks. The schedule is ripe for a late-season rally.”
Taking A Stab At A Jets Win Prediction
First and foremost, if I was a betting man, I’d feel very confident that Vegas has this number wrong. The over/under for the Jets season is 5.5 wins. Meaning, if the Jets come out on top in six of seventeen, your bet would cash.
With two games against the Miami Dolphins, two games against the New England Patriots, and a full slate of NFC South contests on hand, I think it’s more than plausible that the Jets comfortably reach six wins.
Add a home game against the Cleveland Browns and a Week 18 matchup against a Buffalo Bills team that could be resting their starters (circa Week 18 2024), the Jets have some wiggle room.
Looking at their schedule as a whole, I have the Jets splitting their AFC East contests with three wins and three losses. Beating the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints. Taking down the Browns at home, and winning two more of the 50/50 games down the schedule. Narrowly missing the playoffs with an 8-9 record.
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