Aug 28, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh looks up during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Breaking down three games that could define Jets season

By Nathaniel Griffee | Last updated 9/6/22

The New York Jets have not made the playoffs in 11 years. This is the NFL's longest postseason drought. Here are three games that could define their season.

Week 2: at Browns (Sept. 18)

New York hasn't won a September game since 2018, when QB Sam Darnold debuted in Week 1. The Browns are decent -- ESPN ranks them 17th -- but without their suspended starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, their offense will be vulnerable.

The revamped Jets defense must take advantage of backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who finished last season with a below-average QBR of 48.2.

Week 5: vs. Dolphins (Oct. 9)

The Jets must end their two-year winless skid in the AFC East. Two wins in the division are a must for New York to have any hope of playing meaningful games down the stretch. Check out this stat:

Worst record in division over the last 2 seasons

Jets 0-12
Jaguars 2-10
Broncos 2-10
Falcons 3-9
Lions 3-9
Panthers 3-9 pic.twitter.com/LahaEpNqNo
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) May 12, 2022

The Jets' most likely divisional win could come against the Dolphins at home, where second-year QB Zach Wilson must exploit Miami’s middling defense, which ranked 16th in points allowed in 2021.

Week 8: vs. Patriots (Oct. 30)

New York hasn't defeated the Patriots, their longtime rival and perennial bully, since December 27, 2015. This could be the season the Jets finally take down their tormentor. Longtime Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is now the Raiders head coach, and the Patriots lack weapons around second-year QB Mac Jones, who didn't play well in the preseason.