In the NFL, your season is not usually determined about who you play, it is usually determined by when you play a team. For example, a month ago, if I had told you that the Jets would struggle against the Texans you would have thought I was crazy. When the Jets take the field tomorrow against the Texans it may mark the most pivotal game of the season for the Green and White. Houston played its best defensive game of the season last week against the high powered Bengals. It may have taken their defense some time to gel this season but they haven’t allowed a TD in the last 10 quarters of play. Make no mistake about it; the Jets will have their hands full tomorrow.
At QB, both teams come in with some questions. Will Fitzpatrick, coming off left thumb surgery last week, be able to play at a high level? He was limited in practice this week and it’s no guarantee he will be able to finish the game tomorrow. For the Texans, TJ Yates will make the start for the ailing Brian Hoyer. Yates has had some mixed success in the league but may have his work cut out for him against the Jets defense. Yates has a very strong arm and I look for him to take some shots down field especially with DeAndre Hopkins.
The key to this game for the Jets is no different than the key to every game for the Jets… Chris Ivory… The Jets go as Chris Ivory goes. Hopefully the Jets can get him involved in the offense early and often. Another key to this game will be whichever running back is going to spell Ivory. Powell should be returning which is a big positive for the Jets but what about Ridley? In limited action so far he has looked very rusty. If he is healthy enough to play and contribute, it will be a big factor for the Jets. With the Texans pass rush, specifically JJ Watt, The Jets will be using a lot of dump off or quick passes which is a specialty of Ridley.
At WR, let's hope that Brandon Marshall Will be 100% on Sunday. Clearly against Buffalo he was nowhere close to 100% yet was still a factor in the game. His toughness and play this season has been well worth the fifth round pick the Jets gave up for him.
On defense, I don't expect Sheldon Richardson to play. He has been nursing his hamstring all week and has not been able to practice. The Jets secondary will be getting a boost with Calvin Pryor returning after three weeks. I'm not sure that any Jet fan realized how big a factor Calvin was to this defense until he was injured.
Predictions for the game: The Jets are currently a 3 point favorite. I like them to win a close game, I call it 20-17 with the Jets holding off the Texans late in the game.
BOLD PREDICTION: The Jets score a TD on D/ST. Calvin Pryor will have a pick.