Fansided

5 NFL teams on upset alert in Week 9

By Cody Williams

Nov 1, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) prepares to pass the football in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) prepares to pass the football in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) makes an adjustment at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) makes an adjustment at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

3. New York Jets

Just looking at this matchup on paper without any kind of context, the New York Jets should have no problem picking up a much needed win over the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. The Jets have a superior defense that has the potential to create real problems for Blake Bortles and the Jaguars offense and New York’s biggest offensive strength in their rushing attack matches up well for them against Jacksonville’s biggest defensive weakness in regards to defending the run.

However, this has the makings of one of those games that could wind up being a complete debacle for the Jets on Sunday. While Geno Smith won’t be playing quarterback on Sunday and while Ryan Fitzpatrick’s thumb injury is on his non-throwing hand, the idea of having an injured quarterback starting for your team (particularly when he’s not a great quarterback to begin with) isn’t a good look for a Jets squad that also happens to be coming off of two consecutive losses.

As far as how the Jags could win this game, I see them being able to stack the box against New York’s rushing attack and forcing someone other than Chris Ivory to beat them. While that could lead to big plays for the Jets, it’s not a favorable scenario for New York to have the game basically put in the hands of an injured Fitzpatrick.

Moreover, the Jets defense—for all of the praise that unit gets—hasn’t been unbeatable in the passing game. Considering that’s the one thing the Jaguars have done well at any point this season on offense, that’s another area where you could see Jacksonville gaining an advantage in this matchup. The Jets are the better football team, but I just have a bad feeling about the way the teams stack up against each other and the lack of momentum for the Jets coming into this contest.

Next: No. 2 New Orleans Saints

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