Can Robert Saleh and Zach Wilson lead the J-E-T-S back to respectability? 

NFL Preview – New York Jets 

By Steve Quinne 

Win Total = 6.0 

This is the year. It’s going to be different this time around. 

These are the fibs that Jets fans have been telling themselves seemingly forever. And every season, they’re eventually faced with the harsh reality.  

The more things change, the more they stay the same in New York. 

The Jets have won six or more games just once since 2015, when they finished 10-6. In the six seasons since, they’ve been below .500, posting pitiful records. 

New York has gone 4-13, 2-14, 7-9, 4-12, 5-11 and 5-11 during that time. Yikes. 

The Jets playoff drought is the longest in the NFL, reaching 11 straight years without a postseason berth. They’re the doormat of the league, a franchise that can’t seem to get it right. 

Is there reason to be optimistic about Robert Saleh? Yep. He’s a really good football coach who brings a great energy to the building. 

Does Zach Wilson have all the tools to be a franchise quarterback? Sure. He has a cannon for an arm, can move around well and seems well-liked by his teammates. 

But will it finally come together in 2022? That’s a stretch. 

The Jets play in a division with the Super Bowl favorites (Bills), the greatest coach in NFL history (Patriots) and a revamped offense that just added the league’s scariest weapon (Dolphins). They’re looking at a 1-5 mark in the AFC East, at best. 

Can they win six or seven games outside of the division? That’s a stretch. 

Maybe next year. Maybe next time around. Take the under. 
 

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Odds to Make the Playoffs = +700 

 
The Jets are +700 to make the playoffs and 200/1 to win the Super Bowl. Both are extremely long odds for good reason; it would be lightning money on fire to pursue either.  

Second-year quarterback Zach Wilson has made more off-the-field headlines then on the field, throwing just nine touchdowns in 13 games last year and adding 11 interceptions.  

The Jets will not sniff the postseason, let alone the Super Bowl. Wilson is trending toward being a bust like his predecessor, Sam Darnold, than the next great QB. 

There are just too many good teams, led by proven quarterbacks, in the AFC. New York won’t be able to surpass them. 
 
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Ahmad Gardner to win Defensive Rookie of the Year = 12/1 

Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner has a legit chance to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He checks in at 12/1, making him a really good value. 

Gardner was picked No. 4 overall, so he’s an elite player. The cornerback had three productive years at Cincinnati, registering three interceptions in each campaign and scoring two TDs in 2019.  

Gardner was the best player on the Bearcats, leading them to a surprise appearance in the college football playoff. He immediately slots in as a No. 1 corner for the Jets and should get plenty of opportunities to make plays against receivers like Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs in the AFC East.