Today is a day of reckoning for the Jets. Their 1 p.m. home finale against a 5-9 Chargers team that is as hopeless as the 6-8 Jets will deliver the truth about the state of the franchise and how it is perceived by its fans, because there may be nearly as many empty seats as there are occupied at MetLife Stadium — a statement for how disgusted the fan base is.
The fans who do opt to come to the game surely will express their displeasure at what has taken place the past two seasons with no playoffs, deteriorating talent on the roster and a franchise quarterback (Mark Sanchez) who has regressed to the point where it is not known if he ever will start another game for the team.
Other than that, it should be a lovely day in the Meadowlands.
“Man, I don’t know what to expect from the crowd,’’ running back Joe McKnight told The Post. “They’re so wishy-washy. One minute they like us and next minute they hate us. I understand they’re ticked off. They’re mad because they pay their money to watch us go to the playoffs.
“But you’re not helping the situation by screaming ‘Tebow’ and ‘Greg McElroy’ when the starting quarterback [Sanchez] is under center trying to call plays. If you were a real true fan you’re supposed to help build us up. Some people in stands do that, but I’d say there are more people bashing us than trying to help us.’’
Other than the prospect of a pregame tailgate with friends, there is little to draw your attention to this game — unless you believe third-string quarterback McElroy, who is starting in place of the deposed Sanchez, is the long-term answer.
Or if you’re curious to scout the potential next Jets offensive coordinator, San Diego head coach Norv Turner, who almost certainly is coaching his penultimate game with the Chargers.
This is an odd position for the Jets in the Rex Ryan era, because it is the first time in four years the team has not at least gone to the season finale with a chance to make the playoffs.
Even last season, the Jets had a remote chance of getting in with a win in Miami and significant help from other teams. They, of course, lost to the Dolphins, so it ended up not mattering.
“Personally, it’s uncharted [waters],’’ defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said.
The players vow there will not be a lack of effort, despite the lack of playoff possibilities.
“Guys want to play for Rex. He takes care of us, so why wouldn’t we want to do it for him? We want to take care of him,” McKnight said.
“Rex definitely still has the attention of the locker room ,and that is hard to do when you’re losing,” veteran right guard Brandon Moore said.
“It’s very difficult, because you like to have that feeling of fighting for that chance to be in — even if it’s remote,’’ special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in this position. But they’re still going to keep score, so I want to win.’’
The shame for the Jets is that regardless of how well they prepare and even if the win today, their season will end next Sunday in Buffalo.
“It is so strange,’’ defensive tackle Mike DeVito said. “The last time I remember being in this situation was my first year [2007], and by this point we were like, ‘Let’s just get this over with.’ This year it’s not like that at all. We’re just not going to do it.’’
Veteran linebacker Bryan Thomas found himself in a reflective — almost depressed — mood late in the week, pondering his uncertain future and whether he will get another taste of the playoffs, another chance to get to a Super Bowl.
“I’ve been thinking, this is my 11th year, we’re out of the playoff hunt and it’s sad, just sad,’’ Thomas said. “You never know how long you’re going to play or how many opportunities you have. I’m at a point in my career where I’m not young anymore. I know I’m close to the end. You never know.’’
“You play the game for pride and respect and the name on the back of your jersey,” Moore said. “That’s what it’s about now. There’s no point on being reflective and looking back and feeling sorry for yourself. They’re still going to be keeping score and people are going to be watching.’’
Exactly how many people will be watching is one of the compelling subplots to the proceedings.
mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com