Key Additions: RB Matt Forte, RB Khiry Robinson, OT Ryan Clady, DE/DT Jarvis Jenkins, NT Steve McLendon, ILB Bruce Carter
Key Subtractions: RB Chris Ivory, WR Jeremy Kerley, TE Jeff Cumberland, NT Damon “Snacks” Harrison, ILB Demario Davis, CB Antonio Cromartie
Strengths
The Jets’ running game is something worth watching this year. Having ranked 10th in 2015 in rushing yards per game with 116.8 per game, the Jets are positioned to do even better on the ground with the addition of former Chicago Bear Matt Forte.
Forte will join backup Bilal Powell in the backfield to form a versatile pair of running backs who can also create plays off catches. Forte had 898 rushing yards and four touchdowns last year for Chicago. He also had 389 receiving yards and caught three touchdowns.
Let’s not forget about the Jets’ run defense that was so skillful in frustrating opponents in 2015, when they were fourth against the run with only 83.4 rushing yards allowed per game.
Weaknesses
Well, the quarterback position remains an issue for the Jets. While they have Ryan Fitzpatrick to run the offense on the field, he’s still not the kind of quarterback that’ll make Jets fans comfortable. That being said, a talented cast of receivers like Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker should make Fitzpatrick look better. Behind Fitzpatrick is a selection of questionable commodities in the form of Geno Smith, Bryce Petty, and rookie Christian Hackenberg so the Jets really don’t have other logical option aside from Fitzpatrick.
Key Player – Darrelle Revis
Revis didn’t have a Hall of Fame kind of performance in 2015. It wasn’t even great by any measures, as he led all corners in completion percentage (46.5).
But if Revis and the secondary altogether cobble together a stronger performance than last season and pair up with a vicious run defense, expect the Jets to surprise a lot of people in the NFL.
Key Game – vs. New England (November 27)
If the Jets were to win the AFC East, might need to beat the Patriots at least once. Their best opportunity to do just that comes in a November 27 home game against Tom Brady and company. Beating the Pats also would go a long way in terms of installing confidence in the Jets, who are 3-0 ATS in their last three home games against New England. The Jets are +650 to win the AFC East.
2015 Team Stats
Category
Stat (Rank)
Points per game
24.2 (#11)
Passing yards per game
253.6 (#13)
Rushing yards per game
116.8 (#10)
Scoring defense
19.6 (#9)
Writer’s Prediction
The Jets finish the regular season third in the AFC East with a 9-7 record.
