5 bold predictions for Jets vs. Broncos

The Jets could use a win in Week 3.

Another loss would give them their third consecutive 0-3 start to a season and push them even further down the NFL standings. The team’s first win will be hard to come by against the Broncos, though. Not only are the Jets on the road at Mile High Stadium, but they face a Denver team fighting for the top spot in the AFC West. Led by former Jets quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, the Broncos have looked great thus far.

At the very least, the Jets need to play better than they did a week ago. Zach Wilson cannot keep throwing interceptions and the rest of the team needs to avoid blowouts and embarrassing losses. A loss will be bad, but another demoralizing defeat would be worse for this young squad.

With that in mind, here are five predictions for the Jets’ Week 3 match with the Broncos.

Running attack falters again

(Frank Franklin II-AP)

One of the only bright spots in the Jets' Week 2 loss to the Patriots was the running game. Michael Carter, Ty Johnson and Tevin Coleman rushed for 133 yards on 28 carries. That trend probably won't continue against the Broncos, who have allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game this season. Denver allowed just 60 yards against the Giants in Week 1 and only 75 yards against the Jaguars in Week 2. Running the ball is still a big part of the Jets offense, but doing so will be hard this week.

JFM records another sack

(Chris Pedota-NorthJersey.com/USA Today Network)

John Franklin-Myers has been a tear to start the season. He's tallied a sack in four of his past five games dating back to the 2020 season and became the youngest Jets player to record two sacks in the first two games of the season since John Abraham did it in 2001. He is questionable in Week 3, but expected to play. He'll face Broncos right tackle Bobby Massie this week after he allowed four pressures against the Jaguars. The Jets need Franklin-Myers to continue disrupting behind the line of scrimmage so the rest of the defense can thrive.

Elijah Moore breaks a big play

(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)

The chemistry Wilson built with Elijah Moore all offseason and training camp hasn't manifested in the regular season yet. Wilson targeted Moore 12 times through the first two games, but the rookie wideout only has five receptions for 44 yards despite an average depth of target of 17.2 yards. Moore will break off a big play at some point this season, and it could come in Week 3 against a Broncos secondary that allows the highest average depth of target in the NFL.

Wilson bounces back

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Wilson was brutal in his four-pick performance against the Patriots, but his coaches are confident he'll bounce back. The rookie showed plenty of resilience in Week 1 when he nearly led a second-half comeback against the Panthers. Look for him to display similar traits this weekend after an outing he'd like to forget.

Who wins?

(Frank Franklin II-AP)

Wilson's rebound won't be enough to beat the red-hot Broncos. Denver's defense hasn't allowed more than 13 points this season, and that won't change against New York. The Jets will keep it close because of their similarly solid defense, but the Broncos will pull off the win and remain undefeated. Score: Broncos 20, Jets 13 [listicle id=666744] [listicle id=666647]

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