The fate of the 2011 Jets will be played out directly in Miami today, and indirectly in places like Cincinnati, Houston, Denver, and Oakland. ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, reporting from South Florida, has crunched the numbers regarding the Jets’ chances of getting to the postseason: 14.6 percent.
Jets coach Rex Ryan realizes that the odds are long. “Light a candle,” Ryan said, likely echoing his wife’s words whenever Rex enters the bathroom.
Specifically, the Jets need to beat the Dolphins. And the Ravens need to beat the Bengals. And the Texans need to beat the Titans. And the Chargers need to beat the Raiders or the Chiefs need to beat the Broncos.
It’s really not all that crazy of a chain of events, especially with Reggie Bush scratched for Miami with a knee injury. And if the Jets once again slip into the playoff field after being left for dead, they easily could beat the Texans in Houston next weekend, which if New England beats Buffalo on Sunday would give the Jets another chance to roll into Foxboro and eff up the Pats’ postseason potential.
With two of the games that affect the Jets’ fortunes starting early and three of them kicking off late, it could be a six-hour roller coaster for fans who have given up on a third straight playoff appearance under Ryan.
So get your popcorn ready. And your candles.