Fansided

Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – JANUARY 03: Brandon Marshall
ORCHARD PARK, NY – JANUARY 03: Brandon Marshall /

11. New York Jets

New York looked to be having one of the worst offseasons of any team in the NFL until mid-July, when general manager Mike Maccagnan finally got down to business.

Instead of leaving defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson on the franchise tag, the two sides came together at the final moment on a lucrative five-year contract. Maccagnan then signed Ryan Fitzpatrick to what realistically is a one-year deal for $12 million.

The Jets should be one of the better teams in the AFC if they can avoid a disastrous start. In its first six games, New York faces Buffalo, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Arizona, and Seattle with only the Bills and Bengals at home. If the Jets can manage 3-3 out of that stretch, it would go a long way toward reaching the playoffs for the first time since the Mark Sanchez era.

Everything rides on Fitzpatrick, who at 33 years old needs to repeat his 2015 season of 31 touchdowns and almost 4,000 yards. If he can’t, and stumbled back into who he always was before last year, it is a wrap on the season for Gang Green.

Yet, under offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, there is ample reason to believe the Harvard man can get it done.

Record prediction: 9-7

Next: No. 10 Dallas Cowboys