The New York Jetsshowed against the Las Vegas Raiders that their offense might finally be finding some traction.
Quarterback Geno Smith had one of his better performances of the season. The running game delivered, and New York (2-6) finished with 439 total yards. Unfortunately, putting points on the board wasn't enough to overcome the defensive problems that have followed this team throughout the season.
Now comes a much tougher assignment. TheKansas City Chiefs (5-2) are coming off consecutive losses and will be looking to get back on track. The Jets have some offensive pieces capable of making this interesting, but expecting their defense to suddenly find answers against quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid in the span of a week
might be asking too much.
The game will be played at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs are the better team right now. The Jets have struggled to put together four complete quarters. There are reasons to believe New York can make some noise offensively, but five things stand out heading into this matchup.
Here are Jets Wire's five bold predictions for Week 9:
Breece Hall and Braelon Allen combine for 150 rushing yards
The Jets should have both backs available, and there's a good reason to lean on them. Breece Hall and Braelon Allen give the offense a chance to control the tempo and keep Mahomes on the sideline. Kansas City has been solid against the run, making 150 yards a sizable challenge, but the Jets need both backs involved to take some pressure off Smith.
Geno Smith throws for more yards, but Patrick Mahomes throws more touchdowns
Geno Smith has been productive through the air, and the Chiefs have shown some vulnerability during their recent skid. The Jets' QB1 can put up yardage in this matchup, but Mahomes has too many ways to finish drives. Smith may win the statistical passing-yardage battle without winning the more important one on the scoreboard, and that's probably how this one turns out.
The Jets offense produces five explosive plays
There were signs of life against Las Vegas, and the Jets should carry some of that confidence into Kansas City. Between Hall, Allen, and New York's receiving corps, New York has enough playmakers to generate chunk gains. The challenge will be turning those opportunities into points rather than settling for field goals.
New York loses the turnover battle
This is where the matchup could get away from the Jets. Spagnuolo's defense is capable of creating pressure and disguising coverages, putting Smith in some difficult situations. Meanwhile, Mahomes is rarely shy about taking advantage when an opponent gives him an extra possession. The goal is always to make the Chiefs make mistakes, but truth be told, more often than not, they seem to force them.
The Jets lose by two scores
The heart says a reverse jinx is in order and to predict New York's loss while expecting the upset. The head says there are too many problems to fix in such a short time.
The offensive progress is encouraging, but the defensive struggles remain difficult to ignore. Kansas City has too much experience and firepower to expect the Jets to contain it for four quarters. New York might keep things competitive early, but the Chiefs eventually pull away. Prediction: Chiefs 37, Jets 24
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets at Chiefs: 5 bold predictions for Week 9
