Week 9 of the NFL season might be the most competitive we have seen in quite some time and the New York Jets don’t even play until Monday Night.
Multiple games see teams that are considered NFL powers face off against other top teams while key divisional contests could decide between pretenders and contenders. For the Jets and their fanbase, it’s a good thing they don’t have anything to worry about until tomorrow with the Los Angeles Chargers.
As with any week, New York and their fanbase has plenty to root for and against. Before the kickoff of the first game in Germany, we go through that list here.
Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Straightforward here – the Jets can cut their division deficit to a half-game with a Dolphins win and a New York win on Monday night. This high-stakes contest is set in Germany, but this is a great opportunity for Gang Green.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Cleveland Browns
Based on conference records, the Browns are currently in a spot higher than the Jets for playoff seeding. Any loss the Browns have ahead of the two team’s battle in late December should help Gang Green in the long run.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans
Another important conference game for the Jets. The Texans may be playing a lot better than people realize, but they are still a young and unproven team. You don’t want these guys in a competitive race late in the year though.
Washington Commanders vs. New England Patriots
The Patriots stink. While New York’s loss to them is a massive blemish on an otherwise impressive start to the season, another loss for Bill Belichick will be very helpful for Gang Green’s chances.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Carolina Panthers
Similar to the Texans’ game, the Jets need losses from other teams below them in the standings. Don’t be surprised if the Panthers pull this game off too.
New York Giants vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Giants stink. The Raiders just cleaned house in their coaching staff. I would expect Vegas to look better under Antonio Pierce this week, with a letdown of sorts coming against these same Jets on Sunday night next week. Either way, a Giants win helps the Jets today.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Why would an NFC East showdown be on this list? Let me explain. The strength of victory matters in key tiebreakers. The Jets beat Philadelphia and lost to the Cowboys. If the Eagles win later today, New York’s strength of victory increases massively. As of now, Gang Green has the highest strength of victory percentage of any team in the AFC Playoff picture. They could get help this week too.
Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals
A lot of people will be surprised that I say the Jets should hope for a Bills win today over Cincinnati. What those fans fail to realize is that the Bengals are actually behind the Jets in the playoff standings currently and are playing their best ball. New York should want the Bengals pushed further down the playoff picture with an upcoming matchup against the Bills in Buffalo. It’s as simple as that. Let the division get murkier while your hopes for the playoffs increase.
