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Fernando Mendoza addresses NY Jets talk at Heisman Trophy festivities

Fernando Mendoza recalls his first visit to NYC and answers a question about the New York Jets as he focuses on winning a national title.

The New York Jets (3-11) continue their road trip as they take on the New Orleans Saints (4-10) on Sunday.

It was another ugly effort by the Jets in Week 15, as they surrendered a season-high 48 points in a 48-20 loss to the surging Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence recorded six total touchdowns — including a career-high five passing and one rushing score — with three of those touchdowns going to his former college teammate in running back Travis Etienne Jr., who had a game-high 73 receiving yards on three receptions.

Following the 28-point defeat, Jets coach Aaron Glenn swiftly made a change as he fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks the next day, with defensive backs coach Chris Harris taking over as the interim defensive coordinator for the final three games.

After a 1-8 start, the Saints have won three of their last five games, as they swept the season series against the Panthers with a 20-17 walk-off victory in Week 15.

This is the first time these two teams will meet in just over four years, and the Jets’ first game in New Orleans since Dec. 17, 2017.

Can the Jets get back in the win column, or will the Saints continue to pick up victories with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough?

Our prognosticators throughout the 2025 season are: Art Stapleton (Giants/NFL writer, NorthJersey.com), Bert Bainbridge (sports trending reporter/columnist, NorthJersey.com), Brian Marron (digital producer, NorthJersey.com), Chris Iseman (Rutgers writer, NorthJersey.com), Bob Jordan (sports editor, Asbury Park Press/APP.com) and Dave Rivera (sports editor, USA TODAY Northeast/NorthJersey.com).

Jets vs Saints Week 16 predictions, staff standings

Art Stapleton: 10-3

Bert Bainbridge: 10-3

Chris Iseman: 10-4

Brian Marron: 10-4

Bob Jordan: 10-4

Dave Rivera: 9-5

Here are our staff predictions for Jets vs. Saints in Week 16:

Bert Bainbridge

The pick: Saints 24, Jets 17

Here’s why: Similar to their MetLife counterparts, the Jets defense has had a tough time stopping anybody recently, with the most recent being a 48-20 thrashing at the hands of the Jaguars in Week 15.

It’ll be another week of QB Brady Cook under center for the Jets, head coach Aaron Glenn announced on Wednesday afternoon that the undrafted rookie signal caller will make his second career start and either Tyrod Taylor or Justin Fields will back him up.

The Saints offense isn’t nearly as prolific as Jacksonville’s, but it won’t matter here as New Orleans still comes out on top, sending the Jets to 3-12 and even closer to locking up one of the top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft next April.

Art Stapleton

The pick: Saints 23, Jets 13

Here’s why: The Saints have found something with Tyler Shough at QB, but they are banged up without RB Devin Neal and WR Devaughn Vele. Former St. Joe’s-Montvale star Audric Estime could get a lot of run against one of his hometown teams. The Jets are seeking a bump after firing DC Steve Wilks. Just not sure they have enough offensive no matter who is at quarterback.

Bob Jordan

The pick: Saints 7, Jets 3

Here’s why: 1-0 in touchdowns should carry the Saints. The over/under started at a nearly low-as-you-can-go 40.5 points. That’s going to be hard to reach if the Jets’ defense tightens up a smidge after firing their DC and their offense continues its inept ways (14 points or fewer in five of their last nine games).

Dave Rivera

The pick: Saints 24, Jets 10

Here’s why: The Jets will show improvement under their new defensive coordinator by allowing “only” half the 48 points they surrendered last week to Jacksonville. That’s about the best thing we can say about them right now.

Chris Iseman

The pick: Saints 27, Jets 13

Here’s why: It doesn’t matter who the Jets’ defensive coordinator is. The team stinks. That’s the problem.