NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Why New York Jets Must Win Against Tebow, Broncos

Boring or not, the New York Jets must be wary of their opponents this Thursday night, Tim Tebow and the rallying Denver Broncos.

A week ago, 50 percent of NFL fans would have told you the Jets were on pace to defeat the New England Patriots and finally capture the AFC East crown they have desired for so long. This week, the Jets are one mistake away from a season-ending crash and burn.

Enter Tebow.

He might not be pretty, he might not be good, but Tebow is pretty good at winning football games. Under Tebow’s wing, the Broncos have won two straight and are suddenly legitimate playoff contenders in the AFC West. That’s something Denver could not say five weeks ago before Tebow was input as the Broncos starting quarterback.

Now, the Jets must roll into Denver coming off a heartbreaking loss at the hands of the hated Patriots on Sunday night, 37-16. A season once blossoming with promise is now on life support.

At first glance, the common man would chuckle at the prospect of the Jets losing this game, but that would be foolish. The Broncos are 3-1 since Tebow took over as their starter and while his passing play has been less than stellar, he continues to lead his team to victory.

Plain and simple, Tebow wins and the last thing the Jets want to meet right now is a winner.

When the Pats beat the Jets in Week 5, the Jets bounced back with a three-game winning streak and a glimmer of hope.

Their loss against the Pats in Week 10 could be the crushing blow the Broncos needed to finish the Jets—and their season—off in Denver and catapult themselves into the playoff picture the Jets thought they saw themselves in just a week ago.

The Broncos do not just bring Tebow to the table either. They are the second-best rushing team in the NFL. Since Tebow has become the starting quarterback, the Broncos have averaged 208.3 yards per game rushing the football.

Two weeks ago, the Jets were among the bottom 10 teams in the NFL in rushing defense. A couple of games have allowed the Jets to place a more respectable 15th in run defense, but a solid campaign on the ground from Tebow and the Broncos backfield could be all Denver needs to overcome the defensive juggernaut that is the New York Jets.

With tough games remaining against the Buffalo Bills (5-4), Kansas City Chiefs (4-5), the talented Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) and NFC East-leading New York Giants (6-3), the Jets must avoid defeat at the hands of Tebow and the Broncos.

The Jets must win the games they are supposed to win—no matter how much the game could prove to be more difficult than one might assume—or else prepare for a long winter watching the playoffs on television.

Louis Musto's Week 11 Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers	9-0
2. San Francisco 49ers	8-1
3. Pittsburgh Steelers	7-3
4. New Orleans Saints	7-3
5. New York Giants	6-3
6. New England Patriots	6-3
7. Chicago Bears	6-3
8. Houston Texans	7-3
9. Baltimore Ravens	6-3
10. Detroit Lions	6-3
11. Cincinnati Bengals	6-3
12. Atlanta Falcons	5-4
13. New York Jets	5-4
14. Oakland Raiders	5-4
15. Dallas Cowboys	5-4
16. Buffalo Bills	5-4
17. Tennessee Titans	5-4
18. Denver Broncos	4-5
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4-5
20. San Diego Chargers	4-5
21. Kansas City Chiefs	4-5
22. Philadelphia Eagles	3-6
23. Seattle Seahawks	3-6
24. Arizona Cardinals	3-6
25. Jacksonville Jaguars	3-6
26. Carolina Panthers	2-7
27. St. Louis Rams	2-7
28. Miami Dolphins	2-7
29. Washington Redskins	3-6
30. Cleveland Browns	3-6
31. Minnesota Vikings	2-7
32. Indianapolis Colts	0-10