New York Jets
Robby Sabo, ESNY Graphic, Getty Images

There are a few scenarios that must play out as perfect if the 2018 New York Jets have any designs of qualifying for the 2018 NFL Playoffs.

The Rodney Dangerfield of the National Football League, the New York Jets, get no respect.

OK, so perhaps the Jets haven’t dominated an era of American Football like Dangerfield in his industry, comedy. After all, he was a late bloomer. It took quite some time before that splendid Dangerfield breakout.

In terms of the respect department, none for both, and it’s happening all over again for a second consecutive season.

This very time last year, the so-called NFL experts were labeling the Jets personnel the worst in the league, unworthy of even a couple wins. Some actually predicted a 0-16 season while others called the overall talent the worst in a decade.

ESNY knew better than to think over-the-hill cuts such as Eric Decker, David Harris and Darrelle Revis equaled tanking. ESNY knew that, in fact, the Jets roster had improved in overall talent from the miserable 2016 season. And, of course, after a surprising start that ultimately led to a 5-11 season, ESNY’s prediction of 6-10 was almost right on the money.

Mike Clay of ESPN brings Dangerfield to the table. He has the Jets finishing with the worst record in the league.

Clay also has three of the four AFC East teams finishing in the bottom four in the league which is almost impossible, but that’s a completely different story for another day. He said similar things a year ago (much like the entire world), per ESPN.

“One of the worst Week 1 rosters in recent memory, and not by accident. The Jets are in full-on rebuild mode and will have their shot at an elite quarterback prospect next April.”

There’s no questioning where the Jets rank in terms of what an overall depth chart’s talents look like. They are a bottom-third of the league roster at this moment.

The offensive line is horrible. Their edge presence may be the worst in the NFL. Their quarterback situation is still undecided even while coming to the party with a franchise face hopeful.

Many deficiencies, especially crippling deficiencies (O-line and edge) are present in Florham Park, New Jersey.

Just don’t make the very same mistake you made a year ago. Five wins and the “worst Week 1 roster in recent memory” are two completely different and contrasting things. Even better, five wins for a team who’s added more talent shouldn’t equal a lesser roster.

Yes, the Jets can qualify for the 2018 tournament. It is possible and if certain things break right, can absolutely happen. Never would I believe this team is legit. No legit team can showcase an O-line like this to go along with zero edge rushers. But if certain things break right, the young Jets can win nine to 10 games.

It really must break perfectly, however.

Here are the scenarios that must break perfectly for the New York Jets to have even the slightest chance of a 2018 NFL postseason berth.

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Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com