New York Jets 2020 preview: Record prediction, X-factors, biggest questions
By Edward Rollo
Game-by-game predictions for the New York Jets
Week 1 at Bills
New York faced the Bills in the season-opener last year, giving up 17 points after holding a 16-0 lead to take the loss. This game will be an immense test for Darnold as he begins year three and he will rise to the occasion. Optimism for a new season will lead to a surprise victory. Prediction: Win
Week 2 vs. 49ers
Facing the reigning NFC champion 49ers will be a real test for the Jets. New York can’t allow themselves to suffer a heavy defeat which could affect their confidence heading into Week 3. However, this should be a road win for San Francisco. Prediction: Loss
Week 3 at Colts
Second-year defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will have his work cut out for him trying to make an impact against the Colts elite interior offensive line. On the road against veteran Philip Rivers, the Jets suffer back-to-back defeats. Prediction: Loss
Week 4 vs. Broncos
Sam Darnold vs. Drew Lock offers an intriguing battle between young quarterbacks. Unfortunately, even with a facelift, the offensive line could still struggle against the Broncos experienced pass rush. Denver’s defense will be the driving force in Week 4. Prediction: Loss
Week 5 vs. Cardinals
Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins have the potential to be a game-changing duo that pushes the Cardinals to a win. However, home-field advantage and a sense of urgency for the Jets defense means they rise to the challenge and get the club to 2-3 on the year. Prediction: Win
Week 6 at Chargers
The Jets’ journey to the west coast will prove to be a victorious venture. Becton will have a tough battle against the Chargers defensive line. Having said that, the Jets defense will show up against a suspect LA offense and get a critical road win. Prediction: Win
Week 7 vs. Bills
Getting revenge for the loss in Buffalo in Week 1, Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs will have developed a better rapport and the Bills defense should be hitting its stride. The result will be the Jet’s brief two-game winning streak coming to a close at MetLife Stadium. Prediction: Loss
Week 8 at Chiefs
The Jets take a trip to Arrowhead and, although they have a two-game winning streak in Kansas City, they will need to pull off a miracle to win here. That is possible, however, the more likely option is a capitulation in which Patrick Mahomes throws five touchdowns. Prediction: Loss
Week 9: vs. Patriots
Maybe this is just an overinflated sense of preseason optimism but the Patriots could be quite unsettled still at this point in the season. With a new quarterback and a ton of defensive opt-outs, it could be a bumpy road for New England, which will give the Jets the win in East Rutherford. Prediction: Win
Week 10 at Dolphins
The Dolphins joined the Jets in having a successful 2020 draft but they also have plenty of myster about them. Miami has a high ceiling but New York should be the better side — though this could be a close one. Prediction: Win
Week 12 vs. Dolphins
Running it back after the bye week for back-to-back matchups for the Jets with the Dolphins, Miami comes to MetLife in Week 12. Darnold’s experience should prove to be the difference against Tua Tagovailoa, who will likely be starting by this point. Prediction: Win
Week 13 vs. Raiders
The secondary is one of the Jets’ most questionable units on the 2020 roster and speedy rookie Henry Ruggs III as part of the Las Vegas Raiders offense could cause them problems. He’ll be the difference-maker as New York drops one at home. Prediction: Loss
Week 14 at Seahawks
Jets fans will surely be hoping to see Le’Veon Bell or any other player on the New York roster truck safety Jamal Adams in this game, especially after the running back’s Twitter war with his former teammate. Unfortunately, a trip to Seattle won’t help Gang Green’s record. Prediction: Loss
Week 15 at Rams
Staying on the west coast, the Jets get a matchup against Sean McVay’s club as the Rams try to regain their NFC champion form. Jared Goff has issues to address and, though optimistic, the Jets cause the quarterback problems and pick up the win. Prediction: Win
Week 16 vs. Browns
Both the Browns and Jets are building around young quarterbacks and addressed issues on the offensive line this offseason. At MetLife Stadium, this should be a close game and, though the Browns have the edge on paper, Darnold will prove to be the smarter quarterback and push his team to victory. Prediction: Win
Week 17 at Patriots
Traveling to Foxborough is never easy when Bill Belichick is patrolling the Patriots sidelines. New England will have likely found their rhythm by the end of the year and that will end the Jets’ season in sour fashion. Prediction: Loss
New York Jets predicted final record: 8-8
The Jets posting a .500 record is undoubtedly optimistic and, in truth, is near the full potential of what New York could do in the 2020 season. Injuries are always a factor, both for Gang Green and their opponents, which could change things but New York looks like a team that won’t win the AFC East but won’t finish in last place either. Sam Darnold being healthy and progressing should be the difference between 8-8 and 3-13.