Top three bold predictions for 2017

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May 5, 2017; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets player Jamal Adams (33) during New York Jets mini rookie camp at Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets head into 2017 with low expectations but expect some big things from this team to give you hope for the future.

The New York Jets are young, which means they will be prone to mistakes early. However, don’t completely discount this team.

Being young means not knowing any better, but that can be an advantage. Youth can lead to games with comebacks because they won’t believe they’re out of it.

They have some talent on both sides of the football, and it will take some time to gel. With that said, they will build throughout the season. By the end of the season, fans will see it all come together.

Let’s peer into the crystal ball and see what’s in store for the season.

Next: 3. Offense and defense will finish in top half of the NFL

3. Offense and defense will finish in top half of the NFL

The Jets added two safeties and two weapons on offense. Despite finishing near the bottom of the league in total offense, total defense and points per game, the Jets will finish in the top half of the NFL in all four major statistical categories (total offense/defense, points per game and points allowed per game).

The two safeties they added will give the defensive front time to rush the quarterback and help themselves in the running game, which will slow offenses down and keep them out of the end zone. In addition, the pass rush will help create turnovers, and help the offense by giving them good field position.

On offense, the Jets have the ability to attack all three levels of the defense. They have running backs who can catch passes, two possession receivers, multiple vertical threats, and guys who can catch intermediate passes and burn the defense.

Expect to see both the Jets offensive and defensive players in the end zone this season. Big things are brewing in New York.

Next: 2. Bryce Petty will start all 16 games, barring injury

Nov 13, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Bryce Petty will start all 16 games, barring injury

If Petty stays healthy, he will start all 16 of the games for the Jets in 2017. Petty is accurate enough to lead the passing game to where it needs to be.

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In addition to his accuracy, he has the arm strength to fit the ball into tight windows and attack the defense vertically. He’s the perfect quarterback for the Jets weapons.

Petty will make some mistakes, and even take some chances that a veteran wouldn’t. That’s part of the growing process, though.

He is the talent and leader this young team needs. He’s capable of things that we may not be able to see now but will be able to see later.

Next: 1. The Jets will finish 8-8

May 8, 2015; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan (left) and head coach Todd Bowles watch rookie minicamp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Jets will finish 8-8

You’re probably thinking this is completely insane. You’re also probably thinking, “Where are the Jets going to come up with eight wins?”

Well, with better talent around him, if Petty were to start all 16 games, they should be able to go 8-8. In Geno Smith‘s first season, with much less talent around him, the Jets finished with that exact record of 8-8.

The Jets have an offense that can win them a game or two and a defense that can win them a game or two as well. The other four wins will be a team effort.

Next: Jets will end up stuck with Sheldon Richardson in 2017

The Jets do have the ninth toughest schedule and face nine teams that were .500+ based on 2016, but that doesn’t mean a .500 season is impossible. This team will surprise pundits and fans alike in 2017, and the season will build hope for the future in East Rutherford, NJ.

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