Aaron Rodgers is back for the Jets and so are lofty expectations to end a 13-year playoff drought

NEW YORK JETS (7-10)

EXPECTATIONS: Playoffs or bust. And for a franchise that has the NFL’s longest active postseason drought at 13 years, that’s no easy task. But with the 40-year-old Aaron Rodger back and healthy after tearing his left Achilles tendon on his fourth snap of the season last year, there’s renewed optimism for the Jets to not only get into the playoffs, but to make a run. Head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas know the heat is on both of them to deliver a playoff contender this season, or there could be some big changes next winter. The Jets’ success will come down to how Rodgers plays in his 20th NFL season and whether the team’s revamped offensive line keeps him protected.

NEW FACES: QB Tyrod Taylor, rookie RB Braelon Allen, rookie RB Isaiah Davis, WR Mike Williams, LT Tyron Smith, RT Morgan Moses, LG John Simpson, rookie OT Olu Fashanu, Edge Haason Reddick, DT Leki Fotu, DE Javon Kinlaw, rookie CB Qwan’tez Stiggers, S Isaiah Oliver.

KEY LOSSES: QB Zach Wilson, OT Mekhi Becton, OT Duane Brown, LG Laken Tomlinson, C Connor McGovern, OL Billy Turner, TE C.J. Uzomah, Edge Bryce Huff, Edge Carl Lawson, DE John Franklin-Myers, DL Quinton Jefferson, CB Bryce Hall, S Jordan Whitehead, ST Justin Hardee.

Not PARSE.LY: New York Jets

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STRENGTHS: The Jets have a chance to have a top-five defense, especially with Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed and nickel back Michael Carter II forming one of the league’s best cornerbacks groups. Quinnen Williams highlights a stout D-line and C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams are consistent playmakers at linebacker. On offense, if Rodgers resembles the quarterback he was a few years ago in Green Bay, the Jets will have a playmaking presence with experience under center they rarely have had in recent years. Running back Breece Hall and wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams are game-breaking playmakers.

WEAKNESSES: The pass rush took a hit with the trade of Franklin-Myers to Denver and New York allowing Bryce Huff to leave in free agency. The Jets acquired Reddick from Philadelphia to give them an elite edge rusher, but he hadn’t reported to the team as of late in camp while in a contract dispute and asked to be traded. The O-line has seen so much turnover because of injuries and inconsistency the past few seasons, so the new-look group up front will have to prove it’s no longer a concern.

CAMP DEVELOPMENT: All eyes have been on Rodgers in his return from injury and he has shown himself to be nearly fully recovered — physically and mentally — to the point it has almost become an afterthought. He looked solid in nearly every practice and showed mobility, which is a good sign. His connection with the ascending Wilson has also been on point, picking up where they left off before Rodgers’ injury.

FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Hall. He’s possibly the RB2 in fantasy drafts behind only San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey because of his dual-threat abilities. Hall, who made a terrific comeback last season from a knee injury that cut short his rookie season, led NFL running backs with 76 receptions and finished just 6 yards short of 1,000 yards rushing.

BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 20-1. Over/under wins: 9 1/2.

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