NY Jets Schedule: 5 games the Jets can't afford to lose in 2022

4. The NY Jets can't afford to lose Week 15 to the Lions

While the Jets take a lot of criticism from the media due to being situated in New York, the Detroit Lions have been just as bad over the past decade. Thankfully, the Jets have a young QB with plenty of talent on their squad, something that Detroit simply can't claim.

That doesn't mean they should be taken lightly though, as they've added plenty of talent over the past few years, including a fantastic first round in the 2022 NFL Draft, highlighted by Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams.

By this point in the season, the Jets will know where they stand, whether it be fighting for a surprise postseason shot or looking at a top draft pick again.

No matter which situation they are in, a win here is crucial to the future of the franchise, as teams like Detroit are ones the Jets should be beating if they ever want to change their perception within the league and the public eye.

5. The NY Jets can't afford to lose Week 16 to the Jaguars

The Jets and the Jaguars seemingly battled it out throughout the 2020 season to see who would get the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

It was the Jaguars who got that pick and Trevor Lawrence, but the Jets are very confident with Zach Wilson under center, and Week 16 will be a battle to see just who has built the better supporting cast around their young QB.

If the Jets can win a few games throughout the season, including some big-time upsets, they could be battling for a wild card spot here, and with two key games after this one, this may be the most crucial of the year.

The Jets have clearly surrounded Wilson with a great line, an explosive running back duo, and some dynamic receivers. If he can step into his role and grow throughout the year, this may be the only game of the season that the Jets are favored in.