While few organizations strive for a sub-.500 record, the Jets’ 7-9 record in 2019 was considered a success. After all, the organization was forced to rely on the likes of Trevor Siemian and Luke Falk under center for three games, while franchise quarterback Sam Darnold led the Jets to a 7-6 record.
However, context is also important when considering the Jets “successful” 2019 campaign. The team finished the season on a 6-2 run…with that stretch including five victories against non-playoff teams (Giants, Redskins, Raiders, Dolphins, Steelers), a win over a Buffalo Bills squad that was resting their starters for the playoffs, and a loss to the league-worst Bengals.
In other words, should the Jets really be getting credit for their seven wins last season? And, furthermore, is it unfair to expect the Jets to improve on those seven wins in 2020?
We think so, and we explained why we’re not too optimistic about Gang Green this upcoming season. Below, you can find our predictions for each of the Jets 2020 regular season contests:
Week 1: @ Buffalo Bills
While the Bills have undoubtedly been the superior team in recent seasons, the Jets have won in each of their last two visits to Buffalo. Unfortunately, the talent discrepancy will be too much to overcome this time around. Loss
Week 2: San Francisco 49ers
It’s never easy for a west coast team to play a 1 p.m. ET game on the east coast, especially in Week 2. While the 49ers undeniably have a better roster, we could see the Jets stealing a win in their home opener. Win
Week 3: @ Indianapolis Colts
The Jets were only 2-6 on the road last season, and we can expect those road woes to continue into 2020. Plus, the Colts actually have the semblance of a real offense this season. Loss
Week 4: Denver Broncos
Say what you want about the Jets organization, but they seem to be further along in their rebuild than the Broncos. Add in the fact that New York is hosting the contest, and this seems like an easy victory. Win
Week 5: Arizona Cardinals
Speaking of rebuilding teams, the Cardinals are clearly looking to take the jump from “bottom feeder” to “contender.” Even if you’re not very bullish about Arizona’s outlook, they have enough to overcome the Jets in New York. Loss
Week 6: @ Los Angeles Chargers
Besides an overtime victory against the 49ers in 2016, the Jets hadn’t won a game in California since 2010. We expect those struggles to continue against an unpredictable Chargers squad. Loss
Week 7: Buffalo Bills
Could the Jets get some payback for their Week 1 loss? Probably not, especially when you consider that the Bills have won each of their last two visits in New York. Loss
Week 8: @ Kansas City Chiefs
It doesn’t get any easier for the Jets, as they’re set up for a Week 8 matchup against the defending Super Bowl champs. Even if Darnold does take a step forward in 2020, the Jets still won’t have enough to get by the Chiefs. Loss
Week 9: New England Patriots
The last two times the Patriots have visited New York, they’ve outscored the Jets 60-13. Sure, things have changed for New England, but their dominance of their division rival probably hasn’t. Loss
Week 10: @ Miami Dolphins
The Jets haven’t won a game in Miami since 2015. That losing streak includes a loss last season, and the Dolphins now have an improved roster. Clearly, it’s not looking great for the Jets. Loss
Week 11: BYE
Week 12: Miami Dolphins
While the Jets struggle against the Dolphins in Miami, they’re much more competitive in New York, going 3-2 in their last three matchups. Plus, coming off a bye, the Jets will surely be motivated to end their six-game losing streak. Win
Week 13: Las Vegas Raiders
Could the Jets possibly go streaking? New York dominated the Raiders by a score of 34-3 when these teams met last season. While we’re not necessarily predicting a blowout this time around, we still expect the Jets to pull off the victory. Win
Week 14: @ Seattle Seahawks
Remember when we talked about the Jets’ inability to win in California? We might as well have included the entire west coast, as the Jets haven’t won in Seattle since 1997. Considering the Seahawks’ standing as contenders, the Jets probably have no hope. Loss
Week 15: @ Los Angeles Rams
We’re not going to have the Jets going winless on the road, and this could be a golden opportunity to sneak out a win. There’s plenty of uncertainty with the Rams heading into the season, and the Jets’ talented defensive backs should be able to slow the offense. Win
Week 16: Cleveland Browns
Just like the Jets, it’s tough to predict how this losing organization will do in 2020. Cleveland continues to take steps forward, and they beat the Jets by 20 last season. Loss
Week 17: @ New England Patriots
The Jets won’t have much to play for at this point of the season, but the Patriots probably will. In other words, don’t expect many of New England’s backups to get run in this season finale…and consider that a bad thing for the Jets. Loss
We ultimately have the Jets going 5-11 in 2020, which is a significant step back for the organization. If this comes to fruition, it’s all but certain that Adam Gase will be ousted as head coach. Furthermore, depending on the quality of the offense next season, the Jets front office might start thinking of a contingency plan for Sam Darnold. After all, the organization will have to make a decision on his fifth-year option next offseason.
In other words, it could be a tough 2020 season…and that’d mean an even tougher future for the franchise.
