Most Difficult Games on the 2020 Jets Schedule

That’s not all the Jets will have to deal with in 2020. The AFC East is slated to face AFC West and NFC West in interdivisional matchups. This means both Super Bowl teams and four extra winning opponents.

Here are the five hardest games ahead for the New York Jets throughout the 2020 season.

Week One at Buffalo Bills

The opponent: The Bills are looking like the best bet to come out on top in the AFC East in 2020. Buffalo reached the playoffs for the second time in three years with a 10-6 record. Losing both games with NE by less than seven points, they were within two well-timed touchdowns of winning a first division crown since 1995. Their defense wound up being one of the most consistent in the league and cornerback Tre’Davious White broke put with an allowed passer rating of just 45.0 (90 targets).

The offseason was even more fruitful for the Bills. The team was able to add upgrades to the most problematic component, the receiving core, trading for proven talent in Vikings pass-catcher Stefon Diggs. Buffalo is on its way to building a powerhouse that could dominate the AFC soon.

Last meeting: The Jets beat the Bills on the last day of the regular season in 2019, 13-6. However, Buffalo rested most of its important players, including Josh Allen, Devin Singletary, Cole Beasley, John Brown, and White. The Week 1 match-up, which the Bills came back to win 17-16, would show a better reflection of the head-to-head comparison.

Top match-up: Bills running game (128.4 yards/game, 8th) vs. Jets rushing defense (86.9 yards/game, 2nd)

Week Two vs. San Francisco 49ers

The opponent: The 49ers are the reigning NFC champions and are once again in serious contention of returning to the playoffs. They traded DeForest Buckner to the Colts before the draft but filled the hole with first-rounder Javon Kinlaw. San Francisco was the best rushing team in the NFC last year. Now, the running stable is a little different without Matt Breida. Another player traded to the Dolphins.

Last meeting: As with all inter-conference games, these two teams last met four years ago at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The Jets, led by Bryce Petty at quarterback, overcame a 17 point halftime deficit to beat the Niners in overtime, 23-17, and force them to drop to a 1-12 record.

Top match-up: 49ers running game (144.1 yards/game, 2nd) vs. Jets rushing defense (86.9 yards/game, 2nd)

Week Eight at Kansas City Chiefs

The opponent: The winners of Super Bowl LIV, led by arguably the best quarterback in the game, Patrick Mahomes. No further introduction needed.

The Chiefs defense peaked in the second half last year and provided a very positive turnout. The team lost Kendall Fuller to the Redskins, but the secondary remains on the upswing. First-round draft pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire makes the offense even more explosive.

Due to the defense starting slow and Mahomes missing games due to an injury, the Chiefs never really put on their best display during the regular season. However, that could happen in 2020, and the NFL is in trouble.

Last meeting: The Jets provided a massive upset in Week 13 of 2017, beating Kansas City, a playoff contender, 38-31. Despite eventually winning the division, KC went 1-6 after a 5-0 start, and this loss was an indicator that the Chiefs were on the downward spiral.

Top matchup: Jets pass-rush (35 sacks, 23rd) vs. Chiefs offensive line (25 sacks, tied-3rd)

Week 14 at Seattle Seahawks

The opponent: Although the Seahawks didn’t even win their division, they were one of the best teams in the NFL down to the last play of the regular season. Russell Wilson had one of the best years of his career, posting a 106.1 passer rating. Chris Carson is back healthy, and the defense is loaded after the Quinton Dunbar acquisition. Seattle is still eyeing to bring back Jadeveon Clowney, but they’re once again set for a strong campaign.

Last meeting: The Jets and the Seahawks last met during the 2016 season at MetLife Stadium, with Seattle coming out on top, 27-17. Russell Wilson threw for over 300 yards and three scores with a passer rating of over 133.0.

Top match-up: Seahawks running game (137.5 yards/game, 4th) vs. Jets rushing defense (86.9 yards/game, 2nd)

Week 15 at Los Angeles Rams

The opponent: It’s not Todd Gurley’s team anymore. The Rams cut the once considered franchise running back while also trading Brandin Cooks to the Texans. Apart from re-signing offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the Rams didn’t add many upgrades to what was a 9-7 team in 2019. While LA could continue to be competitive, the Cardinals might have done more to overtake them in the NFC West.

Last meeting: In a horrific 2016 loss, the Jets squashed a 6-0 advantage to lose 9-6 without surrendering a touchdown at home.

Top matchup: Jets pass-rush (35 sacks, 23rd) vs. Rams offensive line (21 sacks, 1st)

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