NY Jets: What are analysts saying about NFL Playoff chances?

Analysts from across the league are starting to give their opinions on the NY Jets and the impending playoff picture. They had some interesting things to say about Gang Green.

The NY Jets (4-3) are currently holding the 6th seed in the playoffs by the slimmest of margins over the Pittsburgh Steelers and hot on their tail is their AFC East foes the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins. With their loss to Oakland last week, the Jets lost control of the 5th seed in the playoffs to those very same Raiders.

Looking at the rest of the schedule for the Jets, the 2 toughest games appear to be when the Jets play the Dallas Cowboys (who should be fully healthy) and their 2nd match-up with the New England Patriots. The rest of their schedule at least on paper, seems that the defense should dominate some of these offenses led by the likes of Brian Hoyer, Tyrod Taylor and the combination of Zach Mettenberger/Marcus Mariota.

Which led to an interesting article on NFL.com: 2015 Mid-season predictions on the AFC Playoff Picture, in this article, dozens of analysts on NFL Network and NFL.com share their opinions on who should get in and why. Here are some of the things analysts are saying about the Jets up to this point and their NFL Playoff hopes:

Their chance at the 5th seed in the playoffs…

Adam Schein: New York Jets. They have a fantastic defense and a great head coach, and I think New York has a window, now that Le’Veon Bell is out for the year in Pittsburgh.

Marc Sessler: Jets. The AFC is a mess, but the Jets have the talent on defense to get into the party with nine wins.

Elliot Harrison: Jets. Like the Broncos, the Jets can lean on their defense. … Also in their favor: a manageable schedule.

And their chance at the 6th seed in the playoffs…

Jeffri Chadiha: New York Jets. New York is the front runner here, so long as Ryan Fitzpatrick stays healthy. If not, look for Oakland, which only faces three teams with winning records in its final nine games.

Judy Battista: Jets. They still have games against the Patriotsand the Cowboys (who will almost certainly have Tony Romo back from injury by then), but the rest of the schedule is loaded with teams that the defense should dominate.

Bucky Brooks: Jets. Gang Green works through its midseason quarterback issues to secure the final wild-card spot. The Jets could become the latest sixth-seed to make a legitimate run at the title behind a star-studded defense that finds its groove down the stretch.

November 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) is congratulated by wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) for scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The resounding opinion amongst the analysts seem to be that last weeks’ performance against the Raiders was an aberration and that the Jets’ defense will bounce back. That analysis couldn’t ring more true for the Jets, if they truly have aspirations for the playoffs. The recipe for success will have to be great defense, more Chris Ivory, and working through their issues at the quarterback position.

Teams occasionally come out flat, especially on west coast trips. If playoffs started today #Jets would be in. Not time to panic

— Chris Nimbley (@Cnimbley) November 2, 2015

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I know a lot of Jets fans are already hitting the panic button, but calm down, they are still over .500 and they completely hold their destiny in their own hands. I think that the Jets are playoff bound, but it starts with head coach Todd Bowles mentality trickling down. It’s a 17 round fight and the Jets are in round 9 with the Jacksonville Jaguars on tap.

For the Jets to be successful they have to take it one game at a time, despite the fact the media is going to be right there beside them predicting playoffs after every win and disappointment after every loss.