The article discusses the New York Jets' prospects for the 2026 NFL season, specifically the chances of wide receiver Garrett Wilson. According to analysts, Wilson is expected to have a big year after missing 10 games in 2025 due to injury and playing with inexperienced quarterbacks. Key stats mentioned include Wilson's limited production in 2025 (36 catches for 395 yards), but also his consistent growth in receptions over three years prior under various quarterbacks. The article suggests that new offensive coordinator Frank Reich will tailor the offense to Wilson's strengths, isolating him on third downs and giving him favorable matchups.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-07,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
The 2026 New York Jets, who have not had a playoff appearance in 15 years, are entering another season with low expectations. They are priced at 19/1 to win the AFC East and are considered a long shot to accomplish anything significant. Despite their poor prospects, the team has some promising young players, including wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who missed 10 games last season due to injury but still led the team in receptions despite limited action. The Jets' situation is reminiscent of years past, with many familiar faces and a lack of progress under new leadership.
Written for “NFL 2026 Predictions” on 2026-09-07,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
Why this leaning score
The article's own words the score was based on. Each is quoted
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stored, so you can find it in the original.
Leaning score -0.35 for article 6827 (medium confidence, 1 verified quote) · logged 2026-09-07
Now 15 years running without playoff football, anyone who has ever dared to back the Jets either emotionally or financially is rendered numb.
asserted
who → run → Jets
The 2026 Jets enter with another set of low expectations, priced miles behind the Bills and Patriots at 19/1 to win the AFC East and a lottery ticket to accomplish anything else.
asserted
Jets → enter → anything
Geno Smith’s return to the Jets, who drafted him in the second round in 2013, is symbolic of the stagnant direction of this franchise.
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who → draft → franchise
It’s been 11 years since Smith was notoriously punched in the face over a $600 debt from his teammate IK Enemkpali, and although the faces and jersey designs have changed, it’s materially the same situation he left.
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he → punch → teammate
For one thing, Smith, who experienced a renaissance with the Seahawks in 2022-24 before falling flat in Vegas last year, has some exciting young skill weapons around him.
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who → experience → him
Garrett Wilson headlines that list after missing 10 games to a knee injury last year.
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Wilson → headline → injury
The explosive route-runner conjured only 36 catches for 395 in the limited action he did play.
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he → conjure → action
You wouldn’t know it, but he still led the team in spite of this.
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he → know → this
His inefficiency could either be attributed to Justin Fields’ inability to throw or an incompetent offensive scheme.
uncertain
inefficiency → attribute → inability
Frank Reich steps in as the new offensive coordinator, who is expected to help Wilson get the ball by tailoring the offense to his strengths and consistently putting him in favorable one-on-one matchups.
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who → step → matchups
By isolating Wilson, particularly on third downs, Reich can give his best receiver more space to win his routes and make plays.
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Reich → isolate → plays
But there’s something more convincing about Wilson: In his three years prior, he built successive growth in receptions, totaling 83, 95, and 101 yards since being named the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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he → ’ → Year
This list virtually includes every branch of the NFL quarterback ecosystem.
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list → include → ecosystem
Catch up on The Post’s NFL betting previews and predictions for the 2026 season
- The Post’s NFL betting roundtable
- Can the Rams live up to the hype?
- Props to target for the 2026 season
- 2026 NFL Predictions: Can Josh Allen lead the Bills to the promised land?
- NFL MVP predictions, odds: Can Matthew Stafford repeat?
Smith is a rhythm-based pocket passer who established high completion percentages in Seattle.
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who → catch → Seattle
If the Jets want to move downfield, Smith’s connection with Wilson depends on it.
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connection → want → it
The Jets drafted two intriguing talents in wideout Omar Cooper Jr. and tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who will draw coverage away from Wilson at the very least.
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who → draft → least
That’s a luxury he has never had on Gang Green.
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he → ’ → Green
For what it’s worth, the Jets have the fourth-ranked easiest schedule in the NFL, so whether they leverage that or not, look to their best player to help them punch and kick.
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them → ’ → player
THE PLAY: Garrett Wilson Over 84.5 Receptions (-115, DraftKings)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post.
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Treppedi → trust → Post
He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
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that → focus → risk
