New York Jets 2016 Season Preview

(photo credit: footballbettingcenter.com)

After presumptive starter Geno Smith had his jaw broken by a teammate during the 2015 preseason, everyone thought that it was going to be another disastrous season for the Bombers. But career back-up Ryan Fitzpatrick surprised everyone by throwing for 3,905 yards and having the best year of his career. After missing the playoffs the previous three seasons Fitz had New York as the six seed heading into Week 17. Fitzpatrick came back to earth and they lost to the Bills.

The Jets are returning the core of their defense who ranked in the number ninth in points allowed and fourth in yards allowed. After stints in Tampa and New England, Darrelle Revis returned to the Big Apple and,  along with Marcus Williams, had 11 picks.

We can expect some regression in Revis production since he's on the wrong side of 30; but Williams should continue to develop as a shutdown corner in his third year. The front end of New York's defense should stay in the top part of the league thanks to pass-rushers like Muhammed Wilkerson.

Ultimately the Jets season will depend on their Quarterback play. The offense is loaded with weapons like thousand yard receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. And the offense will be balanced as they brought in former Pro Bowler Matt Forte to split carries with thousand yard rusher Chris Ivory. During the draft, Bowles staff made it clear that the Smith era is over, drafting Penn State's Christian Hackenberg in the third round. But right now, Fitzpatrick is set to be the starter.

Given his track record going 43-61-1 as a starter and the fact players don't turn the corner in their mid 30s last year was likely a fluke. This means that the Jets will probably finish third in the AFC East and their win total will be closer to eight than 10.