The New York Jets came into the 2023 season with a lot of optimism. They had signed Aaron Rodgers, who was not far removed from being a Most Valuable Player in the National Football League. Things didn’t turn out the way they wanted.
Now, as we approach the 2025 campaign, there is a new regime in place trying to prevent the franchise from descending into the Hudson River.
Rodgers is gone, and his exit was unceremonious. New head coach Aaron Glenn and new general manager Darren Mougey decided to stake the team’s immediate future at quarterback on Justin Fields, who thus far has accomplished a lot more with his legs than with his arm.
Current NFL Futures betting odds on the New York Jets
These odds come courtesy of BetUS:
- Win Super Bowl +20000 (200-1)
- To Win AFC Championship +10000 (100-1)
- Win AFC East +1500
- Regular Season Wins — Over 5.5 wins -155, Under 5.5 wins +125
- To Make Playoffs — No -650, Yes +450
Jets objectives in the 2025 NFL season
Any examination of the Jets would reveal that this team intends to win this season with defense and a ground game. When it comes down to it, no one would shell out $40 million over two years for Fields unless they planned on utilizing his ability to run with the football. He famously ran for 1143 yards in 2022, but despite tossing just one interception in 161 attempts last season, no one looks at him as someone who is going to throw them to a championship.
That is, unless the Jets’ braintrust is short on brain power.
The Jets were third in the NFL in total defense last year, and they were particularly effective against the pass. If the stop unit can keep them in games, they want to believe they can control the ball and control the clock.
Run, run, run – will the Jets do it?
There are a few components that have to work well for the Jets in order for the offense to be productive…. aside from the ability to throw the ball to create balance.
First, as we touched upon, Fields as a runner has to be effective. And he needs to be a threat from that standpoint at all times. If he becomes a dropback guy, they’re in trouble.
They have running backs. Breece Hall was a sensation as a rookie, and they’d love it if he could return to that form. He ran for 876 yards last season. Braelon Allen is also in the fold; the second-year man out of Wisconsin, who has been used a short-yardage back primarily, has a big upside.
The offensive line could be a strength. But this unit may need some time to come together. The Jets lost veteran Tyron Smith, one of the best in the run game, when he retired. But they have talent on the outside with tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou, both of whom were first-round draft picks. Guards Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson are solid.
Jets’ receivers – after Wilson, what?
One of the problems with Fields has been that he holds the ball a little too long. That comes as a by-product of looking downfield and holding the ball too long. He’ll take a sack rather than risk an interception, which is a good thing. But he’ll also pull it down if he can’t figure things out. There might still be a lot of difficulty with him reading defenses and making decisions at this point.
It’s something of a relief that Fields finds himself once again paired with his college teammate Garrett Wilson, who caught 101 passes last season and was extended for big money by the Jets.
But beyond Wilson, they are severely lacking depth at the wide receiver spot, and need to get some kind of production from their second-round pick, tight end Mason Taylor (LSU).
The Jets’ defense won’t disqualify them
The Jets may have an offense that stumbles a bit, but the defense should help them keep things respectable.
Statistically, the unit really stood out in some areas. They finished third in the NFL in Total Defense, which is kind of remarkable for a team with only five victories.
They will look for a lot from Quinnen Williams, a defensive tackle who has been named to the Pro Bowl three times. Will McDonald IV had 10.5 sacks and has to be considered a critical part of any plans moving forward. Linebacker Quincy Williams was once an All-Pro, and could be again.
This may not be a great secondary on an overall basis, but the Jets have a cornerback who can take away the other team’s best weapon. Sauce Gardner has been a first-team All-Pro twice, and like Wilson, he signed a big-money extension. But he was slowed a bit with a hamstring problem last year.
The Jets must replace DJ Reed in the secondary and will try to do so with former Raven Brandon Stephens. And they are very excited about the possibilities with safety Andre Cisco, a New York kid.
Jets outlook for 2025
The problem with the Jets isn’t going to be the defense. The problem is that the offense probably won’t be able to put up enough points. There is not enough on hand to prevent opposing secondaries from ganging up on Garrett Wilson, and they won’t get enough out of Fields either.
We’d rather be getting the +125 going “Under” 5.5 wins. Based on that price, we find value there.
