It has been lean times for Jets fans without a playoff appearance since a 2010 defeat to the Steelers. In fact, it is the longest stretch without a playoff appearance in the team’s history, and fans are beginning to grow impatient.
The 12-year drought the Jets are experiencing is the longest record across all four of North America’s professional sports. The Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers are facing six and 5-year play-off droughts, respectively, with the Panthers joining the Jacksonville Jaguars and ten other teams never to reach the Super Bowl.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a relatively new franchise, having made their debut season in 1995. They featured in the playoffs from 1996 to 1999 and lost out to the Chiefs in the divisional playoffs last year (source: https://bestsportsbettingflorida.com/). At present, the Jacksonville Jaguars look the more likely of the two to reach the playoffs, with odds of -110 for a playoff position and +3000 for clinching their first Super Bowl. With odds of +340 for a playoff place and +15000 for the Super Bowl, bookies don’t fancy the Jets’ chances this year, either. The fact that the Jets’ only winning record during the last 12 years was in 2015 backs up these odds.
The signing of 4-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers in April lifted spirits, but the 39-year-old suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the Jets’ 22-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills on September 11th. Surgery was required, and he is expected to return at some point in January, which could put a serious dent in any hopes fans had of this season-ending their long search for a playoff spot.
The Jets will be hopeful that last season’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner can continue his form as Cornerback. Garret Wilson also enjoyed an impressive season, picking up the Offensive Rookie of the Year title, and with Breece Hall returning from his devastating ACL injury, the Jets have lots to be positive about.
This trio of young players could result in the Jets becoming a force to be reckoned with if they can get it right elsewhere.
Despite back-to-back losses against the Cowboys and Patriots, head coach Robert Saleh continues to back under-fire QB Zach Wilson, who was booed by his own fans after a disappointing shift against the Patriots. If the Jets are to reach the playoffs this year, Wilson’s form will have to improve, at least until Rodgers returns.
The Jets’ defensive improvement on a dismal 2021 season was the biggest talking point of the team last year. Being able to maintain that is essential to the success of the team this year.
The loss of Rodgers to injury is huge; there are no two ways about it, and the betting odds on the Jets to reach the playoffs this year show this. However, whether Wilson steps up and grasps his chance to shine or general manager Joe Douglas dips back into the transfer market for a more reliable quarterback remains to be seen.
