After taking the Jets to the postseason in his first year in New York, head coach Eric Mangini and his team took a step back in 2007. Oddsmakers consider the Jets a long shot to win the 2008 Super Bowl at 45/1 odds.
The Jets added one of the top free agents this offseason by signing former Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive guard Alan Faneca. New York also acquired linebacker Calvin Pace (Arizona Cardinals) and signed unrestricted free agent guard Damien Woody (Lions) as well. The team is also hoping that former Green Bay Packers’ tight end Bubba Franks will resurrect his once promising career in New York.
Not too many NFL enthusiasts are high on the Jets this season, mainly because of their quarterback situation. Chad Pennington still remains the incumbent starter, but Kellen Clemens is pushing him for the starting role. Thomas Jones wasn’t the back the Jets thought he would be when they acquired him from the Bears last season, and the defense took a step back as well. But given the addition of Faneca to what should be a much-improved offensive line, there still might be hope on the horizon for the J.E.T.S.
Odds for the Jets are fairly consistent across the board. Current prices on the Jets’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl range from 35/1 at major sports books Sportsbook.com and SBG Global, while Bodog has their odds set at 45/1.
Oddsmakers have also set the Jets’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 7, but clearly think New York will win more than 7 games considering the over pays out at -155 compared to +125 for the under.
There are reasons for optimism in New York. For one, the offensive line added a major piece with Faneca and both D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Logan Mankins should rebound from rough 2007 campaigns. If the offensive line improves, Jones and either Pennington or Clemens should also have decent years, and Mangini has a solid defensive mind if he can get some production out of the youth. Even though they play in a tough conference and division, the Jets are only two years removed from almost beating the New England Patriots in the playoffs.
New York Jets Odds to Win 2009 Super Bowl
SBG Global 35-1
Bodog 45-1
Sportsbook.com 35-1
New York Jets 2008 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
New York Jets Over 7 Wins (-155)
New York Jets Under 7 Wins (+125)