By Will Hill
FOX Sports activities NFL Betting Analyst
Final 12 months, the New York Jets have been among the many most intriguing groups heading into the NFL season, pairing a newly-acquired, future first-ballot Corridor of Fame quarterback with the most effective defenses in soccer.
Add in enjoying in New York, and for a staff that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010 — at present the longest postseason drought in all of sports activities — and the Aaron Rodgers addition made the Jets the largest storyline coming into the 2023 season.
As we all know, that story didn’t have many chapters in it, and even many pages.
Rodgers was misplaced for the season 4 performs into his debut on Monday Night time Soccer in opposition to the Payments, and the Jets’ streak of lacking the playoffs finally grew by one other 12 months.
Might this season be totally different? The schedule says sure.
When evaluating energy of schedule, nothing is ideal, however it’s higher to take a look at the projected wins of a staff’s opponents versus final 12 months’s data. Below both metric, the Jets have a a lot softer schedule than their AFC East rivals.
The Jets opponents, based mostly on DraftKings sportsbooks season win totals, are projected to win 120 video games mixed this season.
In the meantime, the Payments opponents are projected to win 139.5 video games, the Dolphins 142.5 video games, and the Patriots are caught with a slate of opponents anticipated to win 154.5 video games.
The AFC East favourite Payments should play all 4 groups from final 12 months’s NFC and AFC Titles video games (Ravens, Chiefs, 49ers and Lions) plus the Texans, in addition to the Jets and Dolphins twice every — yikes!
Are the Jets must-watch TV?
The Dolphins have a tricky schedule as properly, and play highway video games in Inexperienced Bay, Cleveland and New York late within the 12 months, not superb for a warm-weather passing staff.
As unhealthy as issues have been for the Jets final 12 months, they nonetheless managed to win seven video games, regardless of a few of the worst quarterback play within the league and an offensive line that was usually overmatched.
These offensive line points have been addressed, with first spherical decide Olu Fashanu from Penn St, in addition to veterans Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses and John Simpson being added to the roster this offseason.
The Jets have the simplest schedule within the division, a revamped offensive line, and a official likelihood to justify all of the hype that got here together with including Aaron Rodgers.
At +190, they’re a very good wager to interrupt their 13-year playoff drought, and seize the AFC East crown.
PICK: Jets (+190) to Win AFC East
Will Hill, a contributor on the Bears Bets Podcast, has been betting on sports activities for over a decade. He’s a betting analyst who has been a bunch on VSiN, in addition to the Goldboys Community.
Need nice tales delivered proper to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports activities account, and comply with leagues, groups and gamers to obtain a customized e-newsletter every day!
Get extra from Nationwide Soccer League Comply with your favorites to get details about video games, information and extra
