Top 3 toughest games of Jets 2018 regular season

The New York Jets have a decent schedule in 2018 but here are the top three toughest games that will give them a true test

The season opener has been announced, prime time matchups have been set and each team’s regular season schedules have been dissected and analyzed. The New York Jets officially know what teams await them in 2018.

According to CBS Sports, the Jets get ready to play one of the easier schedules as far as strength of schedule goes. The team is tied for the 25th ranked toughest schedule, with an opponent’s combined record in 2017 of 122-134.

The Jets face a much lighter schedule than the one they were dealt in 2017 when they were tied for the eighth toughest schedule in the league. Of course, we know how that went by now.

However, that doesn’t mean that games will be any easier. The Jets have been handed three games in 10 days to open the season from September 10-20. They open the season the 10 in Detroit, come home to play the Dolphins on the 16 and then play the Browns the 20.

But, those games aren’t even the team’s toughest matchups, so let’s analyze the three games that will leave the Jets prepping for weeks.

Next: 3. A battle with Florida's other team

3. Week 4 – Jets @ Jaguars

Yes, we have all grown to despise the Miami Dolphins. The Jets have a long history against their division rivals, and they will meet up with the familiar foe two times a year per-usual.

But, this game will feature the other team in Florida: the Jacksonville Jaguars. So, why will this be one of the toughest games for Todd Bowles and company?

The Jaguars are looking to prove that last year was no fluke. The team won their division with a 10-6 record and took Tom Brady and the New England Patriots down to the wire in the AFC Championship game, before giving up a touchdown late in the matchup.

The Jags also sport one of the deadliest defenses in the NFL, which is a recipe for disaster for the Jets. So, if the Jets have a rookie under center for this Week 4 duel, the Jaguars defense will look to feast off inexperience and show off their dominant defense.

Next: 2. Saying hello to Kirk Cousins

2. Week 7 – Jets vs. Vikings

Oh yeah, this one will not only be tough but potentially very sweet if the Jets win. This game will feature one return, a “what could have been” and a bit of payback for Teddy Bridgewater.

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The Vikings will come into MetLife Stadium with Kirk Cousins and Sheldon Richardson. Of course, Richardson was drafted by the Jets before being shipped out to Seattle for his off the field antics, and Cousins snuffed the Jets to sign a free agent deal with the Vikes.

The game will also be tough because the Vikings, like the Jaguars, are another team with a top-tier defense. They will have a better offense this season due to Cousins’ arrival, healthy receiving core and the potential of having running back Dalvin Cook back from his knee injury.

This will be a good, tough home test for Gang Green. They would probably like nothing more than to take down Cousins in the big apple.

Next: 1. Home finale against the Packers

1. Week 16 – Jets vs. Packers

Why will this game be tough? One name: Aaron Rodgers. Or, more importantly, a healthy Aaron Rodgers. This, like the game against the Vikings, is another home game for the Jets.

Rodgers isn’t the only player to worry about, as the team inked a deal to bring in massive tight end Jimmy Graham. This will be a good test for the Jets, specifically safety Jamal Adams.

The Jets will probably be able to move the chains against the Packers defense. However, containing Rodgers will be extremely difficult.

Must Read: Jets 2018 NFL Mock Draft: The decision of Rosen over Mayfield

This will also be the first time Muhammad Wilkerson comes back to MetLife since being released. So, the defensive end will have some extra energy for this one.