How Jets can pull off the upset vs. the Chiefs

For the first time in 12 years, the New York Jets will be hosting a game on Sunday Night Football. And it’s not secret that if NBC could have flexed this game out they would have. The Jets welcome the Kansas City Chiefs to MetLife stadium in what was supposed to be the first ever […]

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New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh points to the game clock in front of down judge Dale Keller (129) during the second half against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in 12 years, the New York Jets will be hosting a game on Sunday Night Football. And it’s not secret that if NBC could have flexed this game out they would have.

The Jets welcome the Kansas City Chiefs to MetLife stadium in what was supposed to be the first ever matchup between Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers. The NFL and Rodgers’ achilles being what they are, we get Mahomes vs. Zach Wilson.

The Jets are hovering around 10-point underdogs at home to the visiting Chiefs, and many don’t believe it will even be that close. The only drama set up for this game is if Taylor Swift will be in attendance (and frankly, I don’t care)

If the Jets are going to give the anxious MetLife crowd something to cheer about outside of Taylor Swift on the jumbotron, then they are going to have to catch the Chiefs by surprise.

The Jets aren’t being given much of a chance to win this game, but it is the NFL and anything can happen on any given Sunday. The Chiefs come into the game winning their last two games after losing on opening night to the Lions.

For the Jets to pull off that kind of upset, there’s a few things they will need to fix, outside of their quarterback.

Three Things the Jets Can Do to Upset the Chiefs

1- Convert on third down

Zach Wilson
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets have been awful on offense, but they have been especially horrendous on third downs. They are converting a putrid 21.62% of third downs this season through three games. That is good enough for dead last in the league.

It is no secret that the best way to convert on third down is to have some success on first and second down, and the Jets are currently doing none of that. Last week against the New England Patriots the Jets converted just two of 14 opportunities.

"We have got to find a way to establish drives and get first downs," Wilson said. "We have got to play good on first and second down so that we can play for a third and manageable. And I think we will be just fine if we do that."

On the other side of the ball, the Chiefs, lead by Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are some of the best in the league at third downs. This year that is true on both sides of the ball. Mahomes' Chiefs have converted 46.3% of their third downs, which is eighth in the league. In addition, the Kansas City defense has allowed a 31% conversion rate on third down, fifth best.

The Jets averaged 2.8 yards per play last Sunday and managed 171 yards of total offense. That didn’t work against the mediocre Patriots, and it certainly will not work against the defending Super Bowl Champs.

2- Get the ball to the playmakers

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (17) runs for a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Paging Mecole Hardman. Mecole Hardman to the game, please.

Mecole Hardman was signed to this team to be a playmaker and the coaches have seen fit not to even put him on the field.

You know what Einstein said about insanity, right? Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. The Jets are trying to win games with Zach Wilson handing off on first and second down and then trying to force the ball to Garrett Wilson on third down when the defense knows its coming.

Time to switch it up. Get Garrett Wilson the ball early in the drive. Get Hardman on the field. Get some people in space.  Stop throwing the ball to Allen Lazard on third and eight.

3- Dominate the game on defense

New York Jets safety Jordan Whitehead (3) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis (13) as cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) looks on in the second half. The Jets defeat the Bills in overtime, 22-16, in the home opener at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, in East Rutherford.
© Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Jets defense has been stout this season for the most part, but not many people would notice considering the last two losses. But the defense is constantly on the field and is constantly feeling the pressure of carrying the offense to a win.

The Jets have given up only 16 and 13 points (two points came via the safety) in two of their last three games. Ask any player, coach, fan or executive in the NFL and they’ll tell you should win any game you only give up 16 or 13 points.

Not only will the Jets' defense have to contain Mahomes and company to win, but it will likely need to make a few game-changing plays as well. The Jets have been getting pressure on the QB, but they haven’t been able to get the sacks.

They had three interceptions (all by Jordan Whitehead) against the Buffalo Bills but haven’t taken the ball away in the air since. The Jets are going to have to make some splash plays on the defense.


The Jets are going to be facing an uphill battle in this game, but if they can keep the game close, anything can happen. Hopefully for Jets fans, Zach Wilson can finally show all the progress Robert Saleh has been praising him for the last few weeks.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Trevor Siemian (19) throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers in the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

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Featured image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports