Nov 8, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coachcoaches against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been an up and down year for Todd Bowles’ New York Jets. There have been some great highs as they started at 4-1, including a win over Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. The defense was taking the ball away left and right, and the Jets were jumping out as the competition for the Patriots in the AFC East.

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There have been some rough lows as well, as the Jets have lost three out of their last four games. They came up just short against the New England Patriots. They forgot to show up against the Oakland Raiders, and gave Rex Ryan some sweet revenge last week. So here the New York Jets sit, nine games into the season with a 5-4 record, fighting for playoff position in the AFC.

Yes, this is exactly the team the New York Jets were expected to be in the preseason. But, with the logjam forming in the AFC with the likes of the Steelers, Raiders, and Bills, an at or near .500 team will have a shot in the Wild Card race.

Despite the recent troubles, the New York Jets will remain in the race until the very end, and here are five reasons why.