NFL Network picks the Jets to make playoffs in 2018

The New York Jets have not made the playoffs since 2010. Members of the NFL Network believe that will change in 2018.

Since the end of the 2016 season, the New York Jets have not received much love from the national media. After deciding to part ways with many veteran players last offseason, members of the media considered them to have the worst roster in all of football. In fact, 0-16 predictions were pretty common last offseason.

This offseason, things are a little different. The emergence of players such as Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye has turned some heads. Head coach Todd Bowles has received praise for his leadership. On top of that, some new faces are ready to help the team this year. The additions of guys like Trumaine Johnson, Spencer Long, Avery Williamson, and everyone’s favorite, Sam Darnold, have the Jets looking pretty for the years to come.

NFL Network’s James Jones and Maurice Jones-Drew went over the Jets upcoming schedule in 2018. Surprisingly, there was a ton of optimism when discussing the Jets. Jones started off the segment by making that clear.

Are the @nyjets playoff bound in 2018? @MJD and @89JonesNTAF go through their schedule ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/nnLRTCbWTX

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) July 17, 2018

“This is a team right hear that I really like, and I really like their Head Coach as well. We are talking Todd Bowles, and the New York Jets. And we are going to tell you how they get to the playoffs.”

Jones went on to begin mentioning the first four games of the season, and he has them starting off 4-0. Those games are against the Lions, Dolphins, Browns, and Jaguars. Some highlights of their predictions include a division record of 5-1. That includes seasons sweeps against the Dolphins and Bills while splitting the series against the Patriots.

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The final record that Jones and Jones-Drew came up with was 11-5. If that becomes true, the Jets would make their first playoff appearance since the 2010 season.

Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports also had some positive things to say about the Jets. While his prediction does not include a playoff appearance, it has the Jets going 8-8. He also had great things to say about Darnold and Bowles. Cowherd is another national media member who has changed his outlook on the Jets as opposed to previous seasons.

There is a lot to look forward to with the Jets in 2018 and beyond. The team has a young core of talent that projects well moving forward. Bowles has undoubtedly helped transform the locker room culture. If he can continue to get the most out of his players, a playoff appearance may not be out of reach. The Jets are a team that can surprise a lot of people, and members of the media are starting to take notice.