If the Jets are to compete for the AFC East or a playoff spot as early as this season, they’ll need to win the easier games on their 2022 docket.
New York’s schedule isn’t easy by any means – the team will face some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL before its Week 10 bye – but the Jets do have one of the softest late-season schedules. That leaves an opening for the Jets to make a push for meaningful games in December – something Joe Douglas believes will be the first indication of the team’s successful rebuild.
With that in mind, here are the six easiest games on the Jets’ schedule this season.
Week 12 vs. Chicago Bears
(Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports)
The Bears might be the worst team in the NFL heading into the 2022 season after they almost completely tore down the team this offseason. Justin Fields’ supporting cast is abysmal and the defense is bad. While this could be a classic trap game for the young Jets, it’s a game New York should easily win, especially as the team hits the soft part of its schedule.
Week 15 vs. Detroit Lions
(Kirthmon F. Dozier-USA TODAY NETWORK)
The Lions certainly improved on paper this offseason, but they’re still one of the weakest teams on the Jets’ schedule. Jared Goff is a beatable quarterback and the defense has a lot of question marks. The Jets should be hitting their stride at this point in the season – especially against an opponent with the same level of talent.
Week 16 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union-USA TODAY NETWORK)
The Jets won the first battle between Lawrence and Wilson, but this is a different Jaguars team than the one Gang Green faced in 2021. Jacksonville improved across the board and the new coaching staff could make this game harder than advertised. Still, the Jets should beat the Jaguars for the second consecutive…