Now 15 years running without playoff football, anyone who has ever dared to back the Jets either emotionally or financially is rendered numb.
And that is among other things.
New year, new coaches, quarterbacks, draft picks. All the same.
The 2026 Jets enter with another set of low expectations, priced miles behind the Bills and Patriots at 19/1 to win the AFC East and a lottery ticket to accomplish anything else.
Geno Smith’s return to the Jets, who drafted him in the second round in 2013, is symbolic of the stagnant direction of this franchise. It’s been 11 years since Smith was notoriously punched in the face over a $600 debt from his teammate IK Enemkpali, and although the faces and jersey designs have changed, it’s materially the same situation he left.
For one thing, Smith, who experienced a renaissance with the Seahawks in 2022-24 before falling flat in Vegas last year, has some exciting young skill weapons around him.
Garrett Wilson headlines that list after missing 10 games to a knee injury last year. The explosive route-runner conjured only 36 catches for 395 in the limited action he did play. You wouldn’t know it, but he still led the team in spite of this.
His inefficiency could either be attributed to Justin Fields’ inability to throw or an incompetent offensive scheme.
Frank Reich steps in as the new offensive coordinator, who is expected to help Wilson get the ball by tailoring the offense to his strengths and consistently putting him in favorable one-on-one matchups. By isolating Wilson, particularly on third downs, Reich can give his best receiver more space to win his routes and make plays.
But there’s something more convincing about Wilson: In his three years prior, he built successive growth in receptions, totaling 83, 95, and 101 yards since being named the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Oh, and those passes were from Zach Wilson, Tyrod Taylor, Trevor Siemian, Tim Boyle, Mike White, Joe Flacco, Chris Streveler and Aaron Rodgers. This list virtually includes every branch of the NFL quarterback ecosystem.
Catch up on The Post’s NFL betting previews and predictions for the 2026 season
Smith is a rhythm-based pocket passer who established high completion percentages in Seattle. If the Jets want to move downfield, Smith’s connection with Wilson depends on it.
The Jets drafted two intriguing talents in wideout Omar Cooper Jr. and tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who will draw coverage away from Wilson at the very least. That’s a luxury he has never had on Gang Green.
For what it’s worth, the Jets have the fourth-ranked easiest schedule in the NFL, so whether they leverage that or not, look to their best player to help them punch and kick.
THE PLAY: Garrett Wilson Over 84.5 Receptions (-115, DraftKings)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
