Mike F. White returns to the New York Jets lineup with the playoffs on the line
Mike F. White is back. While Mike White‘s middle name may not necessarily start with an “F,” we all know what his new adopted middle name is. That’s why, with the New York Jets season on the line, no fan was surprised to hear Robert Saleh announce that No. 5 would be starting against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17.
For the Jets, it’s simple: Win the final two games, hope the New England Patriots lose at least one of their final two games, and they will find themselves in the NFL playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season (January 2011).
If it were to go down that way, White’s football squad would break the longest postseason drought in the sport. But they’ll first have to knock off an old friend in Week 17.
Geno Smith, 32, is now a Pro-Bowler after a stellar season. Through 15 games, the former Jets’ second-round pick has thrown for nearly 3,886 yards and 27 touchdowns to just nine interceptions.
Interestingly, Seattle also comes into the game with a 7-8 record and playoff hopes of their own, as it battles the 7-7-1 Washington Commanders and 8-6-1 New York Giants for the final two wild card spots in the NFC.
 AFC Playoff Seed | Logo | Team | Record | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Division Champ: BYE) |  | Kansas City Chiefs | 14-3 | 1st AFC West Clinched playoff spot Clinched division Clinched bye |
| 2 (Division Champ) |  | Buffalo Bills | 13-3 | 1st AFC East Clinched playoff spot Clinched division |
| 3 (Division Champ) |  | Cincinnati Bengals | 12-4 | 1st AFC North Clinched playoff spot Clinched division |
| 4 (Division Champ) |  | Jacksonville Jaguars | 9-8 | 1st AFC South Clinched playoff spot Clinched division |
| 5 (Wild Card 1) |  | Los Angeles Chargers | 10-7 | 2nd AFC West Clinched playoff spot |
| 6 (Wild Card 2) |  | Baltimore Ravens | 10-7 | 2nd AFC North Clinched playoff spot |
| 7 (Wild Card 3) |  | Miami Dolphins | 9-8 | 2nd AFC East Clinched playoff spot |
| N/A |  | Pittsburgh Steelers | 9-8 | 3rd AFC North |
| N/A |  | New England Patriots | 8-9 | 3rd AFC East |
| N/A |  | New York Jets | 7-10 | 4th AFC East |
| N/A |  | Tennessee Titans | 7-10 | 2nd AFC South |
| N/A |  | Cleveland Browns | 7-10 | 4th AFC North |
| N/A |  | Las Vegas Raiders | 6-11 | 3rd AFC West |
Jets at Seahawks game info
- New York Jets (7-8)
- Seattle Seahawks (7-8)
- NFL, Week 17, Jan. 1, 2023, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX
- Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
The Jets-Seahawks game is scheduled to kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET (1:05 p.m. PT) from Lumen Field in Seattle, WA. It’ll be broadcasted by FOX with Chris Myers and Robert Smith on the call.
After a couple of weeks of different uniforms, the Jets decided to go back to their old-reliable uniforms, the white-tops-and-black-pants combo.
Let's start 2023 right. pic.twitter.com/BrxVdq1BiN
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 31, 2022
Jets at Seahawks history
- The Seahawks lead the all-time series 12-8
Seattle leads the all-time series 12-8 with most of the matchups taking place when both teams were AFC franchises.
The Seahawks have gotten the better of the series as of late. Pete Carroll’s club has taken the last four meetings, stretching back to December 2008 and the Eric Mangini era.
Interestingly, the two teams matched up just two seasons ago. Russell Wilson’s Seahawks obliterated Adam Gase’s Jets by a final of 40-3 in Seattle. But the reason they face one another just two years later—as opposed to the standard four years of separation as it pertains to opposite-conference foes—is due to the league’s new 17th game.
The AFC East and NFC West happened to be matched up this season, so the fourth-place teams from a year ago go head-to-head this season.
Jets at Seahawks odds (FanDuel Sportsbook)
- Spread: Jets -1.5 (-110), Seahawks +1.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Jets -124, Seahawks +106
- Over/Under: 42.5 (O: -110, U: -110)
In spite of the Seattle location, the Jets come into this one as the slight favorites. New York is -1.5 in a very tough place to play as a road squad.
The oddsmakers had a tough time with this one considering the Jets have lost four straight, while the Seahawks have lost three in a row.
Jets at Seahawks injury report
#Jets v Seahawks final injury report. Jeff Smith has since been placed on IR, with Cedric Ogbuehi joining the active roster. pic.twitter.com/lwrGiwiq1q
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) December 31, 2022
New York Jets
- Brandin Echols (Quad): Out
- Jeff Smith (Knee): Out
- Vinny Curry (Elbow): Questionable
- Nate Herbig (Ankle): Questionable
- Lamarcus Joyner (Hip): Questionable
On Saturday, the Jets moved wide receiver Jeff Smith to IR while adding Cedric Ogbuehi to the active roster. Cornerback Brandin Echols will also miss the game, which means Michael Carter III’s presence becomes that much more valuable in the slot.
Vinny Curry, Nate Herbig and Lamarcus Joyner all enter the game with the questionable tag.
Seattle Seahawks
- Marquise Goodwin (Shoulder/Wrist): Doubtful
- Travis Homer (Ankle): Questionable
- Abraham Lucas (Knee): Questionable
- Ryan Neal (Knee): Questionable
- Kenneth Walker III (Ankle): Questionable
- Al Woods (Achilles): Questionable
- Tyler Lockett (Hand): Questionable
Speedy weapon Marquise Goodwin is doubtful, most likely to miss the contest. Elsewhere, Seattle is quite banged up right now.
Big-time offensive pieces Kenneth Walker III and Tyler Locket are both questionable.
Jets at Seahawks prediction
- New York Jets 27, Seattle Seahawks 20
Have no delusions about the New York Jets steamrolling the Seattle Seahawks. It’s tough to think that will be the outcome at Lumen Field with that crowd, coupled with the long west-coast trip.
Then again, never underestimate the power of the human element in football. This Jets team believes in Mike White, which could make a major difference (as opposed to Zach Wilson).
Expect a pretty solid offensive game, especially if rookie Kenneth Walker III plays. The Jets’ defense should do its usual passing-defense thing, but Walker could find some room on the ground.
Offensively, the Jets should enjoy themselves as long as Mike White is 100 percent healthy.
