New York Jets: Full Jets vs. Patriots Preview

Are the Jets for real?

Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) celebrates with wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe few saw this type of season for the New York Jets. My prediction was seven or eight wins but here we are in year one of the Mike Maccagnan and Todd Bowles era and the Jets are on the verge of a postseason appearance. They are winners of three straight and have a 9-5 record. This team has already exceeded expectations, but today is a true test as it’ll show if the Jets are for real.

Now they did not reach the 9-5 mark by luck, and I’m not taking anything away from this team, but they haven’t exactly faced the greatest teams. Out of their nine wins, not one of them has come against a team that is above the .500 mark. Only one of their wins comes from a team that is .500 (Washington Redskins). According to Football reference, the combined record of teams they have beaten is 39-73.

Does this say that the Jets are not for real? No. In fact the schedule as a whole has been weak for New York. Only one team has a winning record: The New England Patriots. So it’s a big test in two ways. 1) Proving they are for real and 2) If the Jets win this game and make it into the postseason, watch out.

Next: Is the upset possible?