This offseason, the New York Jets moved on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, turning toward Justin Fields as their new starter. Fields, who began last season as Pittsburgh’s starting QB, lost his starting role to veteran Russell Wilson halfway through 2024 and was unable to reclaim it. Despite these setbacks, Fields has demonstrated moments of high-caliber play throughout his NFL career, offering hope to Jets supporters.
With this transition, the Jets enter the 2025 season under significant scrutiny, viewed by some as a team with strong defensive capabilities and offensive talent, while others remain skeptical about their potential to achieve success.
Analysis from NFL Experts on Jets’ 2025 Playoff Prospects
On Monday, ESPN analyst Mike Greenberg raised doubts about New York’s postseason chances in 2025.
“Would you believe Justin Fields is going to lead the Jets back to the playoffs?” Greenberg asked. —Mike Greenberg, ESPN NFL Analyst
Following Greenberg’s remarks, NFL analyst Damien Woody expressed his belief that the Jets are unlikely to reach the playoffs this year and emphasized a strategic approach for the team’s offense.
“I would not… I think here’s what the Jets need to do with Justin Fields, they need to break the record, whatever the Jets franchise record is for rushing attempts, they need to break it.” (10:00) —Damien Woody, NFL Analyst
Jets’ 2025 Season Outcome and Playoff Hopes
Using Sportskeeda’s Playoff Predictor, the Jets’ chances to qualify for the 2025 postseason were assessed following their performance in the 2024 season. The team ended 2024 with a disappointing 5-12 record, but improved in 2025, finishing with a 9-8 record. This marked a solid second-place finish in the AFC East division.
Despite the better record in 2025, the Jets fell short of reaching the playoffs, securing eighth place in the AFC and missing out on a postseason berth by a narrow margin.
Implications of the Quarterback Change on Jets’ Future
The departure of Aaron Rodgers significantly affects the Jets’ ability to make deep playoff runs, placing significant pressure on Justin Fields to elevate his game amid doubts from analysts. While Fields has shown potential, the team’s overall execution and strategic choices will be critical for overcoming challenges in the increasingly competitive AFC East. The Jets will need to focus on maximizing Fields’ rushing ability and maintaining a strong defense to improve their postseason prospects moving forward.