Jets NFL Draft position rooting guide for packed Christmas weekend slate

The New York Jets are in a very tough situation as they try to find their next franchise quarterback. Not only will they need to lose their final two games of the 2025 season, but they also need to get a bit lucky and hope that some of the other also-rans in the NFL stink it up as well.

The Jets appear to be all in on the tank as they prepare to start a non-NFL player in Brady Cook under center in two games against postseason teams in the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills, but that might not be enough to secure a top quarterback prospect like Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore.

Jets fans who want to give their team the best shot of landing one of the top young guns in this class will need to look at the week 17 schedule and adopt a very stringent rooting pattern.

NY Jets NFL Draft position rooting guide for Week 17

Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Commanders

Washington is the only four-win team in the NFL, and they would leapfrog the Jets in the Draft order if New York stumbles into a win. A victory over an eliminated Cowboys team would likely take Dan Quinn's squad out of the running for one of the higher-end picks this year.

Root For: Commanders win

Arizona Cardinals @ Cincinnati Bengals

With Kyler Murray seemingly on his way out of town, the Cardinals can't be discounted as a possible quarterback destination in 2026. They've been competitive of late, but a win against Cincinnati would likely help Jets fans breathe easier.

Root for: Cardinals win

New Orleans Saints @ Tennessee Titans

The Saints are seemingly happy enough with Tyler Shough that they aren't in the quarterback market anymore. Even though the Jets have a strength-of-schedule tiebreaker over Tennessee, another Cam Ward win would put some distance between them and New York

Root for: Titans win

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns

It would be really cool if the Browns, who also need a franchise quarterback and have two first-round picks of their own this year, end up winning this game. If they do, and the Jets lose out, New York can land either Mendoza or Moore without trading up, provided Cleveland stays put.

Root for: Browns win

New York Giants @ Las Vegas Raiders

This is the big one. If the Raiders lose this game, which gives them the inside track to the No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza is as good as gone. The Giants holding the top pick would be ideal, as they would make for a natural trade partner the Jets could use to help secure Mendoza.

Root for: Raiders win