The Jets are currently the only team in the NFL without a win, holding the unfortunate title of being the last winless squad. It’s an oddly familiar scenario, as this has happened only twice in the past 30 years.
Back in 1996, the Jets started the season 0-8, marking a low point for the franchise, while in 2020, they lost their first 13 games before surprisingly winning a couple right as Adam Gase’s tenure was winding down.
As we reflect on those years, Quinnen Williams and Thomas Hennessy remain the only connections to the 2020 team’s struggles. One has to wonder, does Williams still carry some of that emotional weight from those losses?
“The season is about to be in full swing… and you definitely don’t want to find yourself at 0-10,” Williams remarked following the team’s latest defeat of the season.
Head coach Aaron Glenn isn’t exactly familiar with this predicament either. As a player on the ’96 team and defensive coordinator for the Lions in 2021, he sees the challenges vividly.
“We’re 0-5 and we own it,” Glenn expressed. “But I assure you, this won’t deter us from giving our all to secure wins.”
So, when might the Jets finally secure their first victory?
According to odds from VegasInsider.com, there are several upcoming chances that could work in their favor. The situation changes, but the Jets are favored in two upcoming contests, while they remain a narrow underdog in another.
October 19th vs. Panthers (2-3), -1.5 points
Let’s not entertain the idea of catching up to the Broncos, who recently upset the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles.
The Jets will confront the unpredictable Panthers, who alternate between thrilling wins and disastrous losses, just before the traditional bye week.
If you’re into comparing opponents, the Panthers recently rallied from a 17-point deficit to defeat the Dolphins, who had handled the Jets more easily just a week earlier.
October 26th vs. Bengals (2-3), +7.5 points
Joe Flacco, the newly acquired quarterback, has a mixed track record with the Jets, but he should be more accustomed to the playbook by now. Still, he faces challenges from a struggling offensive line.
The timing could work in the Jets’ favor, as they won’t be facing the Bengals’ injured star, Joe Burrow, yet they won’t exactly have a walk in the park against the backups. The Bengals currently hold the unfortunate title of the worst point differential in the league.
November 9th vs. Browns (1-4), -2.5 points
Glenn’s team will have a couple of weeks to strategize for the rookie quarterback, be it Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders.
The Browns have been struggling offensively, ranking near the bottom in points scored.
Before Flacco was placed on the sidelines, the Browns pulled off a surprising win against the Packers.
November 23rd vs. Ravens (1-4), +11.5 points
It may sound a bit far-fetched, but who really knows how the Ravens will recover from their recent shocking home loss?
With Lamar Jackson potentially sidelined again due to injury, it’s uncertain which of the many absent starters will return in time to reinforce a defense that has been struggling to contain opponents.
November 30th vs. Falcons (2-2), +1.5 points
This matchup feels a bit precarious.
The Falcons boast the top-ranked defense in the league, making it tough for any team to score against them.
Michael Penix Jr. has shown promise, bouncing back from early doubts with strong performances leading up to the bye week.
December 7th vs. Dolphins (1-4), +1.5 points
By this time of the season, the Dolphins could be struggling significantly, potentially impacting their team dynamic.
Will Mike McDaniel still be at the helm? Without key players like Tyreek Hill, the team might look quite different by then, especially following the trade deadline.
December 21st vs. Saints (1-4), +1.5 points
Don’t overlook the Saints, who have faced tough losses late in games. The atmosphere in the Super Dome will likely be vibrant for their last home game of the season.
Rookie quarterback Tyler Schaff may have replaced Spencer Rattler by then, which could shift the dynamics within the Saints’ offense.
December 28th vs. Patriots (3-2), +1.5 points
Are the Patriots experiencing a slump after their recent upset of the Bills? Or was it just a one-time event?
Mike Vrabel appeared to be a leading contender for the Jets’ coaching position previously, but he ultimately chose to stay with the Patriots.
If the Patriots struggle to run effectively, they might miss out on exploiting the Jets’ vulnerabilities.
