The New York Jets enter 2025 with a radically revamped roster. Despite major changes, the franchise’s outlook is optimistic, fueled by a youthful team ready for a fresh start to a new season. New York parted ways with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, acquiring veteran Justin Fields from the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency.
The Gang Green brings in Aaron Glenn as head coach after his four years as the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator. While the team appears to be rebuilding in 2025, its competitive edge comes from a stout defense and strong ground game.
We take a look at how the Jets stack up in 2025 and give a game-by-game prediction for a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010.
New York Jets Expectations in 2025
Offense
It starts with Fields under center and whether or not they can establish a game plan each week that plays to his strengths, which are to get him outside the pocket and establish the run to set up play action.
Breece Hall will be a workhorse this season, and expect him to receive the most touches since he came into the NFL. The key for him will be staying healthy, as Hall has never eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing in a single season. He has been injury-prone, but has shown that when healthy, he is one of the top running backs in the league. He will have help from Braelon Allen, who had a strong rookie season and can step right in if Hall suffers an injury.
In the receiving core, Garrett Wilson earned a new four-year contract extension worth $130 million, with $90 million guaranteed. He will be relied on in the passing game heavily after they lost Davante Adams in free agency. Wilson will have Josh Reynolds to help him on the other side after being signed in free agency. However, there’s less depth at the position as they still have Allen Lazard, who has been inconsistent the past few seasons.
The Jets drafted Mason Taylor out of LSU at tight end, and he is expected to start week 1. The position should be productive after adding Stone Smartt from the Los Angeles Chargers to solidify the position.
The offensive line still remains a question mark, but the Jets did draft Offensive Tackle Armand Membou in the first round and he will start immediately. If New York can establish a strong offensive line, it could be a potentially productive year for Fields and Hall.
Defense
This team, for almost the last decade, has been defined by its defense. Expect the same this season, as that side of the ball will be expected to carry the team by forcing turnovers and creating short fields for a limited offense.
In the trenches, All-Pro Quinnen Williams will lead the interior part of the defensive line. The Jets will be able to get after the quarterback with Will McDonald returning off a season-ending injury and Jermaine Johnson showing promise at defensive end.
At linebacker, the Jets rewarded Jamien Sherwood with a 3-year, $45 million extension to lead the middle of the defense. Sherwood will be aided by Quincy Williams and Marcelino McCrary-Ball on the other side. Opponents will struggle to run the ball against a stout defensive line and quick linebacking core.
However, the secondary remains a question mark. The obvious leader is cornerback Sauce Gardner, who signed a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension in the offseason. After Gardner the secondary has a lot of young, unproven players. The other starting corner will be Brandon Stephens, and then over the top, it will be Tony Adams and Andre Cisco shaping out the safety positions.
Up front, the defensive line will have to put continuous pressure in the backfield to help out a secondary that will take time to mesh together during the season.
Prediction
Wins: Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, @ New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, @ New Orleans Saints
Losses: Buffalo Bills, @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, @ Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos (London), @ Cincinnati Bengals, @ Baltimore Ravens, @ Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, @ Buffalo Bills
Record: 8-9, Miss Playoffs
Yes, an 8-9 record may come as a surprise to most NFL fans, but I think this team will play a hard-nosed style of defense and be able to run the ball. The Jets won’t ask Fields to do more than he is capable of, which helps him protect the ball and limit the turnovers. In Aaron Glenn’s first season in charge, expect an improvement from last year’s team that had Rodgers and Davante Adams and a mess at head coach.
Main Image: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
