5 Bold Predictions for the New York Jets' Week 14 Matchup
After coming up just short of an upset against the Miami Dolphins on Monday night, the New York Jets are now staring down their worst season since 2007, when they went 4-12.
It's been a year to forget in the Big Apple, as Geno Smith hasn't panned out, the offensive line and the receiving corps have been inconsistent, and the secondary has lacked the talent necessary to succeed.
Rex Ryan will almost undoubtedly be fired at the end of the season, and there's a good chance John Idzik goes with him.
Gang Green can end the Ryan era on a high note if it can have a solid final month of the season.
The first matchup of December is Teddy Bridgewater and the 5-7 Minnesota Vikings.
Click through for five bold predictions for the Week 14 contest.
Geno Smith Throws for Under 150 Yards
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To say the Jets had an ultra-conservative game plan against Miami would be an understatement.
In the first 58 minutes of the game, New York rushed the ball a staggering 49 times while only attempting eight passes.
It was clear by the play-calling that Gang Green's coaching staff has little faith in Geno Smith, even if Rex Ryan says otherwise.
It won't be surprising to see the Jets go with a similar game plan on Sunday, as the Vikings possess one of the most underrated secondaries in the NFL.
Led by star safety Harrison Smith and Captain Munnerlyn, the unit is currently ranked sixth in the league in pass defense, as it is allowing just 219.1 passing yards per game.
Considering Smith has failed to eclipse 150 yards in four games this year and has just one game where he threw for over 226 yards, it would be no surprise to see him struggle to lead the offense.
Expect the second-year signal-caller's attempts to once again be limited and for him to have a tough time when he does drop back.
Chris Johnson Has Another Great Performance
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Slowly but surely, Chris Johnson has become New York's most effective back in the second half of the season.
Chris Ivory's body has been worn down by his ferocious rushing style in recent weeks, as he's rushed for only 209 yards on 58 carries in the last five games, which is good for just 3.6 yards per carry.
Meanwhile, Johnson has exploded following his slow start. The former Titan has showcased the kind of explosiveness and cutting ability that made him a star in Tennessee.
In the last six games, Johnson has rushed for 305 yards on 58 carries, good for a superb 5.3 yards per rush.
The speedster should be able to continue his hot streak against a Minnesota defense that ranks a lowly 24th against the run.
The Vikings have allowed 85 rushing yards or more to the last four running backs they have faced, and Johnson should be next in line if he can receive more than a dozen carries.
The Secondary Forces Another Turnover
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The Jets' turnover differential has been horrendous all season, as the offense hasn't been able to hang onto the ball and the defense hasn't forced mistakes.
However, the secondary has picked up its big-play ability in recent weeks, as it has forced four turnovers in the last three games.
The unit should be able to make a play or two against the Vikings, especially with rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater under center.
Bridgewater has struggled with turnovers since taking over the starting job in late September.
In fact, the Louisville product has tossed seven interceptions in the last seven contests, and he already has two multi-pick games under his belt.
If New York's front seven can get some pressure on Bridgewater and keep him from getting comfortable, he may just throw up a couple ducks.
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Minnesota Builds an Effective Ground Game
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The Jets have been phenomenal against the run this season, as they currently rank third in the league in rushing yards allowed and are giving up just 3.5 yards per carry.
However, the defense may have a tough time slowing down Minnesota's ground game.
The Vikings currently rank 13th in the NFL in rushing but have been even stronger running the ball since rookie Jerick McKinnon began receiving the majority of the carries.
McKinnon is a speedster who can explode through holes and avoid open-field tackling, and he is averaging just under five yards a carry on the year.
Pair him with a strong offensive line, the bruising Matt Asiata, who happens to have a nose for the end zone, and a mobile signal-caller in Teddy Bridgewater, and Minnesota's ground game is suddenly formidable even without Adrian Peterson.
Add in the fact that Muhammad Wilkerson may not play after missing last week's game, and the Jets have a tough challenge on their hands.
The Jets Fail to Crack 14 Points...Again
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Scoring has been a real issue for the Jets this season.
Gang Green is 30th in the NFL in scoring and has never topped 25 points in a single game.
The offense has managed to move the ball downfield on a consistent basis, but it has failed to capitalize in scoring range.
Minnesota, meanwhile, possesses an underrated defensive unit led by emerging studs Everson Griffen and Harrison Smith.
The Vikings have given up 21 or fewer points on seven occasions this season, including against the high-powered offenses of the Saints, Lions and Bears.
Geno Smith will struggle to hook up with his receivers, and the offense will once again fail to turn good field position into points.
Look for the Jets to fail to score two touchdowns and drop a winnable game because of the ineptitude of their offense.
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