The New York Jets haven’t been a part of NFL betting in the playoffs since 2010. Last season the sportsbooks almost had to calculate the odds of a Jets Super Bowl run as they finished 7th overall, beaten out by the Steelers for the last Wild Card spot. Head coach Todd Bowles was able to lead New York to a 10-6 record in his second year at the helm. Last year’s Jets had the same telltale signs the franchise has had for the last 10 years. Gang Green had one of the best defenses in the league, but a lack of a passing game resulted in a sputtering offense. Ryan Fitzpatrick’s subpar play last season has resulted disinterest from New York as they have yet to sign the veteran quarterback. While Fitzpatrick may not be a tremendous talent he is a better option than the alternative, Geno Smith. With such a clear need heading into the offseason NFL betting fans would think that the Jets would have a clear plan to address the problem, however this was not the case.
The Jets have been unable to re-sign Fitzpatrick because the 33-year old is reportedly seeking an eight-figure salary. While Fitzpatrick posted one of the best seasons of his career last year, (it was still mediocre at best) he certainly is not worth that kind of money. Fitzpatrick’s 31 touchdowns to 15 interceptions don’t inspire a lot of confidence in the Jets, or in sportsbooks. The way the Jets have been reluctant to meet Fitzpatrick’s demands speaks volumes about their confidence in either Geno Smith or Christian Hackenberg. Neither one of those players has had performances that a club can rally behind and who the Jets are confident about at this point is anyone’s guess.
Last season the running game was the powerhouse behind this offense. New York’s rushing offense was 10th in the league behind the efforts of Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell. Ivory was able to rush for over a 1,000 yards but New York was unable to keep his interest over the five-year $32 million contract the Jacksonville Jaguars offered him. In his absence the Jets have chosen to sign long-time Bear Matt Forte. This move is definitely questionable considering Forte is well over 30, playing at a position that is notorious for producing short-term careers. With more than 2,000 carries the Bears decision to not re-sign him in free agency should indicate exactly what Forte has left in the tank. Signing an aging running back raises enough questions, but signing two is just inconceivable. That is unless you’re Mike Maccagnan who also re-signed Bilal Powell to a three-year deal. Overall the Jets offseason has left many fans in a frustrating conundrum.
Heading into next season there aren’t too many questions regarding the Jets’ defense. Most of the guys on that roster will be returning for next season in addition to a couple of draft picks. While relying on the aging Forte might pan out for Jets, many fans are betting it doesn’t. With so many questions at the quarterback position you can expect New York’s passing game to be led by Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall – granted they are one of the best receiver duos in the league. NFL betting fans can find the Jets’ odds for next season below:
Odds to Win AFC East +565
Odds to Win AFC Championship +2850
Odds to Win Super Bowl LI +8350
