New York Jets 2021 Schedule and Record Prediction
Week 1 at Carolina – WIN
This is a must-win game for the Jets. If they cannot start with a win, they are looking at a difficult season ahead. With Sam Darnold starting his first game in front of a home crowd against his old team, and an unfamiliarity with his receiving corps, he might shrink under pressure and the Jets can seize on the opportunity.
Week 2 vs. New England – LOSS
This is a tough out as a first home game for new QB Zach Wilson. Bill Belichick and the Patriots are notoriously staunch against rookie quarterbacks. With the improvements made throughout the offseason through free agency, I see the Patriots controlling this game.
Week 3 at Denver – LOSS
The Broncos had a disappointing season last year, but the only piece they were missing was a quarterback. With stars across the secondary defense and receiving, and an improvement of Teddy Bridgewater behind the line, the Broncos should have enough to win against the Jets.
Week 4 vs. Tennessee – LOSS
This game does not have an optimistic outlook for the Jets, and that is before the slate of injuries suffered by the Jets’ defense. New York’s defensive line does not have the talent or athleticism to deal with Derrick Henry and the Titan’s offensive firepower. This could be messy.
Week 5 vs. Atlanta – WIN
The Atlanta Falcons are a good team, but they have limitations. This is a game that the Jets will look to exploit. The Falcons defense is weak, and their coverage does not match the talent the Jets have in their receiver group. This may be Zach Wilson’s big breakout game against one of the best elder statesmen quarterbacks in Matt Ryan. Time for New York’s offense to show up big before the bye week.
Week 6 – BYE WEEK
Week 7 at New England – LOSS
Away against New England is quite possibly the Jets’ worst fixture in the league historically. While they are coming off a bye week, and they have had over a month to gel and form, I can’t see the Jets offense figuring out the staunch defense of the Patriots.
Week 8 vs. Cincinnati – WIN
Honestly, this game is 50/50. Both teams had terrible years last year. Both have excellent young quarterbacks. Both have less than favourable offensive lines protecting those quarterbacks. This game will come down to the development of Zach Wilson, and his ability to throw balls deep over a poor Bengals secondary.
Week 9 at Indianapolis – LOSS
The Indianapolis Colts are one of the NFL’s most under-the-radar teams this year. Heading into 2021, they have both a top 10 offense and defense, one of the league’s best offensive lines, they have star young players ready to dominate the league (such as Jonathan Taylor) and their major issue of athleticism at quarterback should be solved by bringing in Carson Wentz. The Jets have no chance here.
Week 10 vs. Buffalo – LOSS
The Bills are the third best team in the NFL in most power rankings. Josh Allen is ready to have an MVP-caliber season. Probably the second toughest game all year for the Jets, and they would need a miracle to win this.
Week 11 vs. Miami – LOSS
The start of a three game winnable stretch, but the Jets would really need to push for it in this first game. The Miami Dolphins have yet to legitimately prove their ability to put together both offense and defense. But with the Jets coming from what is likely to be a tough loss against the Bills, they probably won’t be able to overturn this Dolphins team.
Week 12 at Houston – WIN
The Texans are the messiest team in the NFL this year and are down on every team’s schedules as a win. There is no difference here for the Jets. If Saleh implements a defensive game plan the way he should, the Jets will put this Texans team away.
Week 13 vs. Philadelphia – WIN
Philadelphia enters a new era. After 3 years of decline since their Super Bowl LII win, Wentz has been shipped out and Jalen Hurts comes in at quarterback. With a declining level of top difference makers in the squad, the Eagles are facing a disappointing 2021. The Jets may well be in form and feeling confident by Week 13, and they will likely win this on the strength of their passing and receiving talent.
Week 14 vs. New Orleans – LOSS
The devastation of Hurricane Ida has prompted a difficult start to the season for the New Orleans Saints. They are starting out a new era without the legendary Drew Brees. And yet, despite all the turmoil, they have too much talent for the Jets to overcome this season. Expect many connections between Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas and a comfortable win.
Week 15 at Miami – LOSS
I do not see much changing between Week 11 and Week 15 for the Jets against the Dolphins. Unless there are major injury concerns for the Dolphins’ receivers and corners, they should complete the double over the Jets at home.
Week 16 vs. Jacksonville – WIN
Jacksonville pipped the Jets to the 2021 NFL Draft top pick by one loss, and as such got a generational quarterback prospect, a guaranteed success in Trevor Lawrence. He and Wilson will have played almost a whole season at this point in the schedule. Unfortunately for Lawrence, his team just isn’t that good. The Jets have enough talent to edge out their fellow 2020 basement dwellers.
Week 17 vs. Tampa Bay – LOSS
Heading to the home of the Super Bowl Champions who will be looking to seal a division win and keep their form ahead of another expectant playoff run? Tom Brady will dagger up this Jets’ secondary.
Week 18 at Buffalo – LOSS
The final two weeks for the Jets is a brutal way to finish the season. The Jets are a rebuilding team. The Buffalo Bills will want to devastate the Jets all over the field in this game to guarantee playoff rankings and put themselves in the best position to challenge for an AFC title. The season will probably not end positively for fans.
Final Record Prediction: 6-11