After winning only four games in 2005, the Jets entered last season with low expectations. The first season of the Eric Mangini era turned out to be surprisingly successful. The Jets improved their win total by six games and earned an AFC playoff berth. The offense will be more balanced in 2007, but the team's long-suffering fans will be disappointed if they expect more major strides this year.
Key Additions
RB Thomas Jones
CB Darrelle Revis
LB David Harris
LB David Bowens
Key Losses
RB Kevan Barlow
RB Derrick Blaylock
QB Patrick Ramsey
Probable Lineup
QB: Chad Pennington
RB1: Thomas Jones
RB2: Leon Washington
WR1: Laveranues Coles
WR2: Jerricho Cotchery
WR3: Justin McCareins
TE: Chris Baker
K: Mike Nugent
Key Backups/Position Battles
Quarterbacks
The Jets are hoping Kellen Clemens can firmly establish himself as the No. 2 quarterback during the preseason. Clemens is the team's passer of the future and will eventually run the offense with great efficiency. He's worth holding onto in dynasty leagues as he sits and learns behind Pennington. Marques Tuiasosopo is an experienced NFL backup, but his decision-making skills are very shaky, and he wouldn't fare very well if pressed into action.
Running Backs
The Jets eventually turned to Leon Washington out of desperation in his rookie season, and he led the ballclub with 650 rushing yards. Listed at 5-foot-8 and 202 pounds, Washington is best used as a third-down and change-of-pace running back, and that is exactly what he will be now that the Jets have acquired Thomas Jones to be their main ball carrier. Washington is tough for a small back and can make some big plays with his elusiveness, but he won't get enough touches to help most fantasy teams in 2007. Cedric Houston gained only 3.3 yards per carry last season and won't be much of a factor with Jones stabilizing the position.
Wide Receivers
Justin McCareins has caught only three touchdown passes in the past two seasons and has not become the regular downfield target the Jets still need in their passing game. He no longer has any fantasy appeal. Brad Smith can be used on gimmick plays to run or throw the ball, and with more experience, he will improve as a pass-catcher over the next year or two. Tim Dwight is trying to come back from a foot injury, and he has never been much of a fantasy factor in the past.
Key Games/Bye
Week 2 @ Baltimore Ravens
Week 10 BYE
Week 11 Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 14 Cleveland Browns
Week 15 @ New England Patriots
Week 16 @ Tennessee Titans
Week 17 Kansas City Chiefs
What to Look for in 2007
The addition of Jones will not only give the Jets a formidable featured back, it will also take pressure off the quarterback. Chad Pennington should be able to use play-action passes more effectively and will find himself in less adverse passing situations. Pennington doesn't have much of a gun, especially after two shoulder surgeries, but he operates the offense very well. He should make fewer mistakes than he did last season, and he'll be a solid fantasy reserve.
Jones will become a featured part of an offense that was missing a ball-control element last season. He's a sturdy inside runner who should be a reliable goal-line option. The Jets will sprinkle in Washington just enough to make sure Jones doesn't get overworked, and the ex-Bear should be a terrific No. 2 fantasy running back. Newly acquired fullback Darian Barnes will be a mean-spirited and effective lead blocker for Jones.
Laveranues Coles has gotten banged up over the years and doesn't get downfield like he used to, but he fights for the ball and will be a more dependable playmaker this season as defenses respect his offensive counterparts more. Jerricho Cotchery had a breakthrough season in 2006 and will certainly merit more defensive respect during this campaign. Cotchery is tough, smart and can get loose after the catch for extra yardage. He and Coles will be solid No. 2 fantasy receivers in 2007. Tight end Chris Baker has the potential to be a quality fantasy player, but he is often needed to block and doesn't get enough opportunities to display his receiving skills.
Center Nick Mangold stepped in as a rookie last season and immediately showed the poise and tenacity of a grizzled veteran. Left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson came along more slowly in his first pro campaign, but he will get better with time. He still needs work as a run-blocker. Brandon Moore is adequate at right guard, but there could be questions at left guard and right tackle. The line needs to fully cooperate for the Jets to regularly succeed during a tough schedule.
Kicker Mike Nugent missed only three field-goal attempts last season and is on the rise. Nugent is a good value pick when the other top kickers are off the board very late in drafts. The defensive unit, however, won't be dependable. Outside linebackers Victor Hobson and Bryan Thomas are fine playmakers, but the guys up front don't get the job done enough, and nose tackle Dewayne Robertson is not the ideal fit for a 3-4 scheme. Inside 'backer Jonathan Vilma had to fight off many more blockers after the switch to the 3-4 and made only 67 solo tackles after tallying 128 in 2005. The Jets allowed 130.3 rushing yards per game last season and are hoping rookie David Harris can bolster the unit in that department. Cornerback Darrelle Revis will be targeted often as a rookie, but he'll make a lot of tackles and will be a player to watch in individual defender leagues. Strong safety Kerry Rhodes is already considered a top player in such formats. There are notable individual talents on the defensive unit, but stopping the run will continue to be an issue.
Bottom Line
The Jets won't back down on offense, and an improved running game will help them stand up to several formidable opponents on a tough schedule. The defense, however, will often let them down, and it will be more of a struggle to earn a playoff berth. None of their top offensive players will be major fantasy standouts, yet they will often provide you with solid production. As Mangold and Ferguson improve on the line, the Jets will become more steady offensively and should serve you well in the fantasy playoffs, when their schedule turns soft.
Scott Engel covers fantasy sports for ESPN.com. You can contact Scott here.