New York Jets: Game preview, prediction vs. Redskins in Week 11

The New York Jets will look to build a modest two-game winning streak with a victory over the Redskins in Week 11. Prediction, preview and more for Sunday.

Break out the champagne. The New York Jets actually won a football game last Sunday. Truth be told, beating the equally woeful New York Giants is nothing to write home about so Gang Green will look to post a very modest two-game winning streak when they travel to the nation’s capital to face the Washington Redskins in Week 11 at FedEx Field.

The Redskins are listed as a 1.5-point favorite, courtesy of The Action Network. They lead the all-time series, 8-3.

Let’s take a look at what both the Jets and Redskins will need to do on Sunday at FedExField to pick up a win. And finally, we’ll make a prediction for this Week 11 contest to see who will come out on top.

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When the Jets (2-7) have the ball

Quarterback Sam Darnold looked much better — he was poised and under control — against the Giants last Sunday, so I would expect him to continue that positive vibe against a Redskins defense that ranks 21st in the NFL in total defense (366.1 total yards per game) and 20th in scoring defense (24.3 points per game).

The USC product has a nice rapport with slot receiver Jamison Crowder (a team-leading 48 receptions for 486 yards and two touchdowns) and you know the veteran wide receiver will want to perform well against his former team.

Look for Gang Green to continue to feed Le’Veon Bell early and often against a Redskins defense that allows 136 rushing yards per contest (28th in the league). Bell can be expected to grab some swing passes out of the backfield as well.

Both guard Brian Winters and tight end Chris Herndon were placed on season-ending IR this week but tight end Ryan Griffin (20-160-3) has stepped up nicely in Herndon’s place. As long as the offensive line can protect Darnold, the Jets should have no issues moving the football.

When the Redskins (1-8) have the ball

Rookie signal-caller Dwayne Haskins has been named the starter for the rest of the season, so expect Gregg Williams’ defense to blitz the Ohio State star early and often. Haskins has not tossed a touchdown pass in 44 attempts so far this season and he has four interceptions to boot.

The Jets collected six sacks against the Giants last week and fans can look for Jordan Jenkins and even safety Jamal Adams (two sacks vs. NYG) to dial-up the pressure against Haskins and force him into miscues and hurried throws.

Gang Green owns the second-best run defense in the NFL (81.9 yards per game) so yards might be hard to come by for the ageless Adrian Peterson (4.3 yards per carry, one touchdown). Haskins will try to find talented rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin on a variety of different routes.

McLaurin is another Ohio State product and played with Haskins in Columbus so they have strong chemistry together. McLaurin paces Washington in all receiving categories (32-497-5). The Jets can’t let him beat them.

Prediction

It would be so typical of the Jets if they stumble and lose this one. Although they are a very slight underdog, Darnold should have time to find Crowder, Bell, Griffin and Robby Anderson. And New York’s defense, coming off a six-sack effort against the Giants, should be able to turn up the heat on Haskins.

As long as Darnold avoids the turnover bugaboo, I expect the Jets to soar to victory down in DC. Jets 24, Redskins 17