As the 2015 NFL regular season winds down to it’s crucial stretch in December, both the New York Jets and the New York Giants are 5-5 with a legitimate shot at making the playoffs.
By David Hong
The Giants are currently leading the NFC East while the Jets could possibly capture one of the AFC wild card spots. Both of them had their moments and their issues as well. But unlike last season at this time, there is something to look forward to for both New York football teams heading into December.
Now the question is: “Who has the better shot at making the playoffs?”
Before I give the answer, lets talk about both team’s season so far and their remaining schedules.
The Giants Remaining schedule:
- at Washington Redskins
- vs Jets
- at Miami Dolphins
- vs Carolina Panthers
- at Minnesota Vikings
- vs Philadelphia Eagles
The Giants so far have had an inconsistent stretch this season.
They started out 0-2, upped their record to 3-2 and since then, it’s been an up and down stretch. They’ve had their thrilling moments and grueling moments.
Quarterback Eli Manning has been steady so far as well as young star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The running game has not been good for the most part. The Giants also have had problems winning close games. They’ve lost four games by 4 points or less.
However the Giants have been playing better recently.
Their defense has stepped up, especially against the undefeated New England Patriots, as the GMen nearly handed the defending Super Bowl champions their first loss. The defense was a big reason for that near upset, as Jason Pierre Paul has brought a huge boost to that unit.
The Jets Remaining schedule:
- vs Miami Dolphins
- at Giants
- vs Tennessee Titans
- at Dallas Cowboys
- vs New England Patriots
- at Buffalo Bills
The Jets got off to a sizzling start, going 4-1 to begin the year and putting themselves as an AFC threat.
Then the roof fell off and they’ve lost 4 of their last 5 games.
Their defense, which was big during their 4-1 start, has struggled with consistency lately. Their offense, despite a few weapons at wide receiver with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, just won’t scare many teams with their quarterbacks.
Ryan Fitzpatrick may be better than Geno Smith, but not by much.
Chris Ivory got off to a good start with the running game, but he has been banged up recently. After posing some threat to the Patriots in the AFC East standing, the Jets are barely hanging on to dear life in the wild card race.
So who has the edge?
I have to go with the Giants. They’re in a better position now with the standings, and are leading their division, which is one of the weakest in the NFL this season.
The Cowboys lost quarterback Tony Romo for the season, thus ending any possible hope for a comeback.
The Eagles seem to be in a complete mess now, losers of three straight and now having to deal with Mark Sanchez at quarterback, which Jets fans painfully know how that’s like.
The Redskins might now pose the most serious threat to Big Blue in the division, but if the Giants beat them in D.C. on Sunday, it’ll be really tough for the Skins to get back in the standings especially since they can’t win on the road.
The Giants have also played better recently.
The Jets on the other hand seem to be free falling.
Their defense has struggled with consistency, and now they are without their best player, in cornerback Darrelle Revis, with a concussion.
The Jets offense will just not scare anyone with Ryan Fitzpatrick or Geno Smith at QB.
Both teams have pretty tough schedules with both teams playing one undefeated team, and a few divisional games which are always tough.
The December 6 game between these two could be huge and could be a difference maker in who goes to the playoffs. Very much like in 2011, when the Giants prevailed to lead them to the playoffs and eventually the Super Bowl championship, as the Jets were sent home.
Of course you never know what will happen, and a lot of strange things have happened in the NFL before. But right now, the Giants have the edge based on their position in the standings, and their play as of late.
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