Raiders Get Golden Chance in Final AFC East Matchup

Geno Smith is a polarizing player among Raider Nation. On the one hand, it's thanks to his incompetence that they secured the first overall pick. On the other hand, his signing didn't live up to expectations, and his relationship with fans deteriorated throughout the season.

Whichever side you find yourself on, the chance to beat him on the Jets will be relished by all. On top of the Raiders having a chance at revenge, this is a game they should win regardless of who's at quarterback. The Jets and the Raiders are similarly matched up talent-wise, but the biggest difference between them is their head coaches.

Battle of Expertise

Aaron Glenn took over for the Jets last season, and he was hailed as a defensive guru. That resulted in the Jets not intercepting a single pass last season and a league-worst point differential of -203. The defense wasn't the only reason they were so bad in 2025, but Glenn contributed very little on that side of the ball.

On the opposite sideline will be Klint Kubiak, a man who just won a Super Bowl thanks to his explosive offense. It was thanks to his offensive scheme that Jaxon Smith-Njigba won the Offensive Player of the Year award. The results speak for themselves; in this battle of offense and defense, Kubiak's offense should prevail.

This games also an opportunity for the Raiders to flex their offensive muscles. I don't know if Fernando Mendoza will be the starter by then, but even if he isn't, the Jets' secondary hasn't improved all that much.

Kirk Cousins should be able to avoid turnovers, but even if they can't get the passing game going, their pass-rush isn't excellent either. Ashton Jeanty, behind an improved offensive line, should be enough to run all over them.