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With three wins in a row, the Jets finally have some momentum. How far can they push this streak, though?
The next two games look winnable which would take them to five straight wins. By then, the Jets should have developed some winning habits and could provide a tough test for the three postseason candidates they face over the last three weeks.
While the Jets will be keen to focus on one game at a time, it's difficult not to look ahead at the possibilities. Is it impossible they could run the table and end up with an unlikely winning record? Perhaps not. Let's recap the main things they'll need to focus on against each of their upcoming opponents.
Week 13 - at Cincinnati Bengals
The key to this game will obviously be not to underestimate the 0-11 Bengals who have had six losses of seven points or less this season, including each of their last two games.
Andy Dalton, who has had success against the Jets in the past, returns to the starting lineup this week, which has led some to speculate that perhaps A.J. Green could also return. Green hasn't played yet this season and remains listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury, but if he does suit up, the Bengals will have a different look to them. The Jets, then, could be under pressure to make effective in-game adjustments.
Week 14 - vs Miami Dolphins
Having already overlooked the Dolphins once this year, it would seem unlikely that the Jets will do this again in front of their home fans and with revenge on their minds. Miami followed up their win over the Jets with a competitive loss to the Colts, but have lost their last two by 17 twice to the Bills and Browns.
The Jets will hope to be able to stop the run and keep the chains moving with their passing game, but the key to avoiding another letdown might be to ensure they don't allow Miami's big receivers, including tight end Mike Gesicki, to beat them.
If the Jets' cornerbacks can carry their recent improvements into this game, that will go a long way towards them getting a win.
Week 15 - at Baltimore Ravens
This is the toughest test remaining on the Jets' schedule and finding a way to slow down MVP candidate Lamar Jackson will be the number one priority. In the unlikely event C.J. Mosley is healthy enough to return and face his former team, that could be a decisive factor.
On this occasion, the Jets might be hoping that they will be the team that is overlooked by their opponents with Baltimore likely to be fighting for home-field advantage with New England. With a short week to prepare for this Thursday night game, Baltimore could end up looking ahead to their upcoming game against the Browns.
Week 16 - vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are right in the mix having won five of their last six games, but things haven't been going to plan with Mason Rudolph's recent benching for Delvin Hodges dominating the headlines. If the Jets can shock the Ravens, then who knows what kind of shape the Steelers will be in for the Jets' final home game of the season?
However, the Steelers should get the injured James Connor and Juju Smith-Schuster back before then, which will make them a much more formidable opponent.
Week 17 - at Buffalo Bills
There's every chance the Jets will have been eliminated before this game takes place. However, they might relish the chance to play spoiler if the Bills have yet to guarantee their spot in the postseason, much like Buffalo did to them in a similar situation four years ago.
If the Jets are still in with a mathematical chance, this could go down to the wire much like when the teams met on opening weekend.
Conclusions
Obviously, the Jets somehow navigating the rest of the season to finish with a 9-7 record is highly improbable and, even if they managed to do it, this still might not be enough for them to qualify for the postseason. Buffalo already has nine wins and four non-division leading teams have six.
Nevertheless, the Jets have a chance to restore some pride by finishing with a respectable record and can develop winning habits which will hopefully enable them to carry some momentum into next season.
Although it seems likely there will be at least one letdown between now and the end of the season, the Jets' final record is probably going to leave people wondering how well the team could have done had they not lost so many key players to injury and illness over the course of the season.