Hi everyone! Welcome to Herman’s analysis series for team defenses. In this series, I will go over each team’s additions and losses on the defensive side of the ball, their strength of schedule, and finally, I’ll tie in their fantasy value. I hope you enjoy! Without further ado, here is my analysis on the New York Jets D/ST.

Although the Jets didn’t live up to their expectations last season, their defense certainly did. After retaining the majority of their defensive players, will the Jets be able to go from a good to elite defense?

Key Additions:

Pierre Desir, CB
Patrick Onwuasor, LB
Bennet Jackson, CB

Key Losses:

Darryl Roberts, CB
Maurice Canady, CB
Brandon Copeland, LB

Herman’s Analysis: Strength of Schedule

AFC East:

The AFC East has improved on the offensive side of the ball in the offseason. Miami drafted Tua, who may not start Week 1, but is the Fins franchise QB. Buffalo added Stefon Diggs to their roster, which gives Josh Allen another dangerous target. The Bills also drafted Zack Moss, which makes for a scary backfield with Singletary and Moss. The Jets can no longer take these offenses lightly. The Patriots, who’ve given their division rivals nightmares for the last 15 years, are without Tom Brady. Jarret Stidham, who is set to be the Patriots starting QB, has very little NFL experience. The Pats also have a lack of talented WRs. This combination makes them a desirable matchup for most D/ST.

Rest of NFL:

If playing the Bills and Dolphins four times wasn’t already a challenge, the Jets play some of the NFL’s best offenses. The Chiefs, Cardinals, Broncos, and Seahawks can torch any defense they match up against. The Jets also play the Chiefs and Seahawks on the road. Arrowhead and Century Link Field bring home-field advantage to another level. If stopping Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson’s respective offense wasn’t hard enough, the Jets now have to do that while 70,000 plus fans scream at them.

Along with these high powered offenses, the Jets face a high number of above-average offenses. The 49ers, Chargers, Colts, Raiders, Rams, and Browns are no easy matchup for any D/ST. The Jets have a very difficult schedule, and if they finish as a top-five defense, they will have definitely earned it.

Herman’s Analysis: Fantasy Value

The Jets had a solid defensive year on paper in 2019-20, but fantasy-wise, they weren’t as good. Last season, the Jets allowed 20.9 points per game, which is decent, and they were second in rushing yards allowed. While these stats are good, the Jets didn’t create enough turnovers. New York only had 12 INT and 9 recovered fumbles. The Seahawks, who allowed more points per game than the Jets last season, had 16 INT and 16 fumble recoveries, which gave them value, even though their defense had many holes. As a D/ST in fantasy football. turnovers are key. If the Jets can create more turnovers this season, they can be a top-five defense this season.

While special teams may not have as much of an impact as the defense, they are still important to look at. Vyncint Smith is New York’s kick returner and Braxton Berrios is the punt returner. Both are young players, who didn’t have any TDs last season. If the Jets defense can find a way to create more turnovers, they will be a D/ST all fantasy owners want.

That wraps up my D/ST analysis for all four AFC East teams!

Stay tuned for my D/ST analysis on the AFC North!

If you liked what you read make sure you follow me on Twitter @NateHerman27. And while you’re at it make sure to head to Belly Up Fantasy Sports and Belly Up Sports for more great reads!