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David Bastl
New York Jets NFL Prediction: 2021 Season Betting Odds and Preview
The worst kept secret of the off season was when (not if) were the New York Jets moving on from former franchise Quarterback Sam Darnold. In three seasons, Darnold had a 13-25 record as the Jets’ starter, so General Manager Joe Douglas sent the former third overall pick (2018) to Carolina and then selected his successor with the No. 2 overall pick, Zach Wilson out of BYU. Wilson is an early candidate at Sports Interaction to win the Offensive Player of the Year award at +748.
You may need a program when looking at the Jets roster. New Head Coach Robert Saleh along with his staff have a lot of work to do in Gotham City.
New York Jets Acquisitions and Moves
Wilson won’t have a lot of support backing him up at the Quarterback position, but his surrounding talent on offence has changed. The team signed receivers Corey Davis (3-year, 37.5 million) and Keelan Cole to bring in a couple of veteran leaders. The team also drafted Elijah Moore in the second round who will be a starter alongside returning vets Jamison Crowder, Denzel Mims and Braxton Berrios.
The offensive line got a boost with the free agent signing of Dan Freeney and draftee Alijah Vera-Tucker. Tevin Coleman (free agent) will compete with Michael Carter (round 4, 107 overall) for the starting running back job.
The Jets defence finished the 2020 season ranked 26th overall, 12th against the rush and a dismal 28th against the pass. To no one’s surprise the team signed veteran Cornerback/Safety Lamarcus Joyner to to play with Marcus Maye and Ashtyn Davis. Special teams ace Justin Hardee (free agent) will add depth to the secondary and can play corner.
The Jets have high hopes for Sheldon Rankins, who signed a 2-year, 17 million dollar deal with the Jets via New Orleans. The expectation is that Rankins will play next to Quinnen Williams and Carl Lawson (free agent via Bengals) on the outside. Lawson should provide much-needed pass-rushing ability off the edge.
New York Jets 2021 NFL Schedule
The Jets are coming off a 2-14 season in 2020. New York is tied for the 19th-easiest slate this coming season. That’s based on opponents’ records from the previous year. They will face a Super Bowl contending Bills team twice this season alongside an improving Dolphins squad.
From week 10 to 14 the Jets will be on home turf for four of the five games. Gang Green will open the season in Carolina against old friend Sam Darnold on September 12.
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 12 at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 19 vs. New England Patriots, 1 p.m.
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 26 at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m.
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 3 vs. Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m.
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 10 at Atlanta Falcons, 8:20 a.m.
Week 6: Bye Week
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 24 at New England Patriots, 1 p.m.
Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 31 vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m.
Week 9: Thursday, Nov. 4 at Indianapolis Colts, 8:20 p.m.
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 14 vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 21 vs. Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m.
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 28 at Houston Texans, 8:20 p.m.
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 5 at Philadelphia Eagles, 1:00 p.m.
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 12 vs. New Orleans Saints, 1:00 p.m.
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 19 at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m.
Week 16: Sunday Dec. 26 at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m.
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 2 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m.
Week 18: Sunday, Jan. 9 at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.
New York Jets NFL Betting Odds
The Jets are paying +450 to make the playoffs, which is a bet I would not recommend. Their over/under win total is listed at 6.5 wins. The under is paying -201 and that’s the direction I would grade this team entering the 2021 season. They are also one of biggest longshots on the board of any division, paying +2000 to win the AFC East. Speaking of longshots, how does +8700 sound for the Jets to win the Super Bowl? I didn’t think you’d be interested but I had to ask.
New York Jets 2021 Season Prediction
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but once again its baby steps for the New York Jets. The best possible outcome of the season is that Zach Wilson continues to take weekly steps in learning the NFL game. There will be more downs than ups this season and I am expecting a 5-12 season from the Gotham Green.