New York Jets: 3 Reasons they’ll defeat Broncos in Week 14
The New York Jets face the floundering Broncos in a key Week 14 battle in Denver. Here are three reasons why Gang Green will defeat the Broncos.
This is a dangerous game for the New York Jets. They have to be careful. Even though they are slight 1.5-point favorites against Denver this Sunday, they realize the Broncos can throw some coal into their Christmas stocking this holiday season.
Gang Green is 5-7 and still has playoff aspirations. The reeling Broncos (3-9) have lost eight straight and are one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL. With that being said, New York has to stay focused to win this game.
As a Jets fan for several decades, I have seen Gang Green stub their toe time and time again when they are expected to win an important contest. New York’s loss to Tampa Bay last month is a perfect example. This Sunday they are on the road. In a tough environment. Against a prideful squad that is almost due for a win. Jets fans should be very worried about this one.
I expect the Jets to pull out a very narrow victory, in overtime no less, because of these three main reasons.
1. Trevor Siemian
The Northwestern University product may be the worst starting quarterback in the NFL. In his last four starts for the Broncos (all losses), Siemian has tossed seven interceptions, including three in last week’s 35-9 setback to a mediocre Dolphins squad.
He’s also completed less than 60 percent of his pass attempts (58.9 percent) this season and looks completely overwhelmed at times. The Jets can take advantage of his poor decision-making by putting pressure on him and collapsing the pocket, make him hurry his throws. Siemian looks like a backup QB, not a starter, and Gang Green needs to exploit that.
2. New York’s offense is like butter
Why? Because they’re on a roll right now. The Jets are averaging 27.2 points over their last four contests. Josh McCown, Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse are on fire and they’ll look to take advantage of a deflated Broncos contingent. Denver’s highly overrated defense is allowing 26.2 points per game, the second worst mark in the league.
The Jets don’t have to be intimidated by them. What New York does have to do is establish a rushing attack to set up play-action for McCown and make sure that Von Miller (nine sacks) doesn’t wreck the game. He’s still one of the best pass rushers in the business.
3. It’s all psychological really
The bottom line is this: the Jets still have a chance to make the AFC playoffs, albeit a slim one. The Broncos are done. Stick a fork in them. Their season is over. They can’t wait for this dreadful 2017 campaign to be over and done with. It’s been a disaster for them.
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Expect the Broncos to play hard in order to try to snap their long losing streak. However, it’s just human nature not to be as focused or committed when your season has gone up in smoke. The Broncos were supposed to be a team that was going to vie for a playoff berth. Now look at them. Gang Green is catching them at the right time. The incentive box is definitely checked in New York’s favor. The Jets still have much to play for. The Broncos are probably making vacation plans by now.