It’s only Week 9, but every game is a must for the New York Jets from now on.

The Jets practically have no margin of error if they want to make the playoffs after their 2-6 start, which includes a five-game losing streak. Their only wins have come against two of the worst teams in the league, one of which (the New England Patriots) just beat them last week.

After losing to one of the worst teams in the AFC on Sunday, New York try to recover against one of the best teams in the AFC just four days later.

The 2-6 Jets will host the 6-2 Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football in Week 9 in what will be one of the toughest tests of the season to date.

Not only do the Texans have an elite young quarterback in reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year CJ Stroud, but they also have a ferocious defense that is giving up the second-fewest yards per game in the NFL.

Add in a strong running game led by Joe Mixon, who is averaging 100.6 rushing yards per game this year, and it’s easy to see why many consider Houston a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

The same can’t be said for New York, which is tied with the Patriots for last place in the AFC East. The Jets are a disaster on both sides of the ball and they keep finding new ways to lose, enraging fans and commentators similar.

Led by 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers, New York’s offense is one of the worst in the league, ranking 25th in points per game and 24th in yards per game (Greg Zuerlein is not helping). The defense started strong but has regressed since then. The dismissal of Robert Salehwith a record of 0-3 with 85 points allowed.

The Jets defense will try to bounce back at home against the Texans, who are missing their two best receivers: Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs. However, Houston still has Tank Dell, Mixon and Stroud, who is 12-4 in his last 16 regular-season starts.

Meanwhile, Rodgers is 7-14 in his last 21 starts, showing clear signs of decline. His 61.6% completion rate is his lowest since 2015, and his 2.5% interception rate would be the highest mark of his career in a full season.

The Jets have played well at home, going 1-2 with a plus-17 point differential. Four of their last five losses have been by one possession.

The Texans are 2-2 on the road with a -7 point differential. They have been much better in close games than New York, going 5-1 in one-possession games.

Despite their recent struggles, the Jets are well positioned to win this week. Not only are they at home, but their offense has also been playing better lately and their defense should pick up against Houston’s thin receiving corps.

Stroud hasn’t been the same without Collins and Diggs, throwing just one touchdown and completing 60.3% of his passes in his last two games combined. Rodgers may be oldbut still can do better than that.

It’s hard to trust New York these days, but don’t be surprised if it does enough to get the victory on Halloween.