The New York Jets: Three Critical Games This Upcoming Season
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Week 3 v Cincinnati Bengals
Starting the season against the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Brown's vaunted and talented defenses is not an easy task for the young and inexperienced Jets' offense.
The New York Jets could likely come into this Week three matchup versus the defending AFC champs with an 0-2 record.
Last season, the Jets had one of their best games of the year against the Bengals. The Jets pass rush terrorized Joe Burrow, giving the Jets offense chances to score.
Led by backup quarterback Mike White, the offense capitalized on those opportunities. The Jets' have drawn comparisons to last year's Bengals team, and the Burrow versus Wilson matchup will be something to watch, barring injuries. If the Jets can control the line of scrimmage, like last year's match-up, they will have an excellent chance to win.
Week 5 v Miami Dolphins
The Jets got swept by the Miami Dolphins last year, but both games were back-and-forth affairs where the Jets lost by one touchdown.
The Jets defense picked off Tua Tagovailoa once in their first matchup and twice in the second game, one for a touchdown.
However, the Jets will have to face Tyreek Hill, who opted to sign with the Dolphins over the New York Jets this past off-season. Hill will put immense pressure on the Jets' unproven secondary, featuring fourth overall draft pick Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner.
Robert Saleh's Jets went winless in the AFC East last season. A win against Miami this early will alleviate some pressure off of his shoulders.
Week 11 v New England Patriots
As stated before, the New York went 0-6 in divisional contests last season. So, every divisional matchup will be crucial. Come week 11, Saleh and his squad will have already played the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium in week eight. Still, this match-up at Gillette Stadium remains critically important.
The Jets have a week ten bye this upcoming season, giving them ample time to rest and prepare for this Patriots team. A win on the road would be huge for the team's confidence as the latter half of their schedule is "softer" than their games before the bye week.
The Jets will play home games against the Chicago Bears (week 12), the Detroit Lions (week 15), and then the Jacksonville Jaguars (week 16). If the Jets can finish with an around .500 record going into the bye week, the Jets will set the stage for a late-season playoff push that the New York Jet faithful has been waiting for since 2010.
