Joe Namath predicts Week 1 NY Jets win if team wins 1 key X-Factor

The NY Jets are not getting off easy in what will be the first game of the Aaron Rodgers era. The Jets will be in primetime against not only a division rival, but a Buffalo Bills team many expect to compete for the Super Bowl as Josh Allen continues to improve.

The Bills are considered the favorites despite the fact New York has a huge quarterback advantage when compared to last year and a defense that is retaining almost all of their starters. That still hasn't done much to dent Joe Namath's confidence.

In an appearance on College Gameday, where the Alabama alum is supporting his Crimson Tide, Namath predicted a Jets victory in the much-hyped Monday Night matchup. However, he qualified that statement by saying the Jets' offensive line needs to hold up against Buffalo's front seven.

The offensive line might be the worst collective unit on the Jets right now, and their struggled could be amplified due to the fact they have an aging quarterback behind center. Namath is correct in observing that whomever controls the line of scrimmage in this game will walk away with a win.

Joe Namath picks the NY Jets to beat the Bills

While the Bills lost their most impactful pass rush following Von Miller's injury problems, the duo of Leonard Floyd and Greg Rousseau is still fearsome enough to get fans worried. The offensive line is still patchwork at best, and they will be thrown into the fire early on.

Mekhi Becton may have looked solid in the preseason, but this will still be his first game at right tackle in the NFL and his first Jets game in front of fans. Laken Tomlinson looked solid in his limited action, but he is still fresh off a very disappointing season at left guard.

Alijah Vera-Tucker has the potential to be a Pro Bowler, but his injury last year robbed him of most of his sophomore season. Even though Duane Brown has been locked in at the left tackle spot when healthy, it's fair to wonder how effective a tackle who is 38 years old can be.

The Jets have the skill position players needed to give the Bills a headache, and having Rodgers at the sticks will always make life easier. However, if Rodgers is under duress all game long, the Jets might find it impossible to take down one of the deepest teams in the entire league.