Week 6: Denver Broncos (3-1) at New York Jets (1-4), 1 p.m.
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
Weather: High 50s, zero percent chance of rain, 4 MPH wind (accuweather)
The skinny: Oh boy. The incline on the Jets' dreadmill gets few degrees steeper today. Gang Green is riding a four-game losing streak at the hands of the league's elite, and it doesn't get any easier with Peyton Manning & Co. coming to town. The Jets' secondary is still reeling, and the team has been absolutely deplorable on third down--on both sides of the ball. Jets coach Rex Ryan is sticking with second-year quarterback Geno Smith for at least one more week--or at least one more start. Smith was benched at halftime last week in a blowout loss to the San Diego Chargers for Michael Vick, though Vick was just as ineffective. Believe it or not, New York's offense has bigger problems on offense than QB, as it boasts one of the most unimpressive pass-catching groups in the league (given Eric Decker's inability to stay healthy). A loss would almost put the Jets' season to a close, especially depending on what happens when they travel to the rival New England Patriots in four days.
What to watch for (links):
- Can the Jets finally start playing ahead of the chains on offense?
- Will Manning have an "off day," as Rex Ryan hopes?
- Is Sunday a record-setting day for Manning (It would take five TDs)?
- Can the Jets' defense turn things around on third down?
- How does the Jets' offensive line hold up against a stout group of rushers?
Injury report:
As usual, Decker's health is a major question mark, as is fellow receiver David Nelson's. Both are questionable. Tackling machine linebacker David Harris is also questionable, as is cornerback Darrin Walls. The Broncos, meanwhile, are healthy,
Other tidbits from the week:
Ex-Jet Braylon Edwards fired some shots at Ryan and is former team; Quinton Coples' illegal hit on Donald Brown apparently wasn't illegal at all; Vick says he learned a lesson last week.
Our picks:
Dan: Broncos 42, Jets 17
Nick: Broncos 32, Jets 24
Head-to-head recent history:
The Jets' last meeting with the Broncos was a deflating loss in 2011 at the hands of Tim Tebow. Gang Green is 4-6 in their last 10 matchups with Denver and are behind, 15-18-1, in the overall series.
What to watch for (links):
- Can the Jets finally start playing ahead of the chains on offense?
- Will Manning have an "off day," as Rex Ryan hopes?
- Is Sunday a record-setting day for Manning (It would take five TDs)?
- Can the Jets' defense turn things around on third down?
- How does the Jets' offensive line hold up against a stout group of rushers?
Injury report:
As usual, Decker's health is a major question mark, as is fellow receiver David Nelson's. Both are questionable. Tackling machine linebacker David Harris is also questionable, as is cornerback Darrin Walls. The Broncos, meanwhile, are healthy,
Other tidbits from the week:
Ex-Jet Braylon Edwards fired some shots at Ryan and is former team; Quinton Coples' illegal hit on Donald Brown apparently wasn't illegal at all; Vick says he learned a lesson last week.
Our picks:
Dan: Broncos 42, Jets 17
Nick: Broncos 32, Jets 24
Head-to-head recent history:
The Jets' last meeting with the Broncos was a deflating loss in 2011 at the hands of Tim Tebow. Gang Green is 4-6 in their last 10 matchups with Denver and are behind, 15-18-1, in the overall series.
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