The Comeback is previewing all 32 NFL teams from worst to first between now and the start of the 2018 regular season on Sept. 6. Up next in our rankings are the New York Jets.
2017 in a nutshell: After seemingly tanking by gutting the roster in the offseason, they somehow win five games. But three of those wins come in the first five weeks of the year. As usual, they’re so-so defensively, pretty damn bad offensively.
What’s different: They think they have their next franchise quarterback in Sam Darnold, but the USC product will likely need time.
Why they could be awesome: Darnold could pull an RG3 and the defense could become a strength again with youngster Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye, Nathan Shepherd, Darron Lee, Leonard Williams and free-agent pickups Trumaine Johnson and Avery Williamson leading the way.
Why they could suck: Josh McCown is likely going to be the starting quarterback, Jermaine Kearse will likely be his top receiver, Isaiah Crowell will likely be his lead back and a bunch of nobodies are fighting to be the top tight end.
Major additions: Darnold, Johnson, Williamson, wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, Crowell, center Spencer Long.
Major losses: Defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson, tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, LB Demario Davis.
Breakout watch: Second-year safety Jamal Adams has the ability to become a superstar, and it sounds as though he’s made progress while shedding some pounds this offseason. Look for a big leap coming off his first full offseason.
Position to watch: One of the worst teams in football might have the deepest quarterback groups in the league. McCown doesn’t have a future at the age of 39 but is coming off a strong season, new backup Teddy Bridgewater has been shining all offseason and Darnold has superstar potential. It’ll be fun to see how all three fare in 2018.
Prediction: They still aren’t the worst team in the AFC East, but they aren’t going anywhere in a division with New England while they wait for Darnold. That offense has to be built up significantly. They’ll win a handful of games at best.
5-11, 3rd place in the AFC East
