NFL Picks Week 16: Can the New York Jets Overcome the Rex Ryan Controversy

The already controversial season for Rex Ryan and the New York Jets became even crazier this week after the details emerged about Rex Ryan's wife and her foot fetish videos. Outside all of the scandals that have surrounded the Jets this season, New York has actually played some pretty good football.

At 10-4, New York has an opportunity to clinch a wild card spot with a victory this week against the Chicago Bears. After two straight losses against divisional opponents the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, the Jets responded with a huge victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road last week.

The win was largely a result of the Jets pass defense, which held Ben Roethlisberger to just one touchdown and a 78.2 quarterback rating. Despite low offensive output which saw the Jets out-gained by over 100 total yards, special teams and the pass defense helped carry the Jets to a five-point victory.

This week, the Jets will travel to Soldier Field in Chicago to take on the Bears. The Bears pummeled the injury-plagued Minnesota Vikings last week 40-14 just one week after losing to the Patriots by a 29 point margin. Chicago has won six of their last seven games and will have an opportunity to clinch the NFC North and automatic home field in the first round.

Both teams have playoff berths and seeding on the line. Both teams are coming off meaningful victories.

The question is whether the Jets can put the controversies of the season behind them and simply focus on football. The Jets have had more than their fair share of scandals this season from Jenn Sterger to Sal Alosi and now the situation involving Michelle Ryan.

On the field, the Jets appear to be the more impressive team. While Mark Sanchez has struggled in the past few games, the Jets running attack put together a nice effort against the NFL's best run stopping team the Pittsburgh Steelers. New York should have no trouble repeating a decent performance against another top run defense in the Chicago Bears.

The Bears offense will surely struggle against the staunch Jets defense. The Bears offensive line has been porous against strong pass rushes (see New York Giants game), and the Jets can put the type of pressure on Jay Cutler that will force him to throw two or three interceptions.

The game will certainly be close. Neither team has the offensive fire power to truly pull away against the high caliber defense of each side. However, in the end the Jets defense and special teams will give New York the victory.

Prediction: New York 23, Chicago 13