Jets Jump Seven Spots in Sports Illustrated's NFL Power Rankings
Fueled by their road win in Denver, the New York Jets have made a significant one-week leap in Sports Illustrated's NFL Power Rankings.
The Jets have returned to the top half of the 32-team list, checking in at No. 14 overall. It was a seven-spot jump from last week when they landed at No. 21.
After falling to a season-low No. 24 as a result of a Week 3 loss to New England, the Jets began a climb back into the top 50 percent by putting forth two straight competent offensive showings.
In addition to an efficient effort from quarterback Zach Wilson, who has completed 72.3 percent of passes the past two weeks, running back Breece Hall is back to full strength after recovering from ACL surgery. Hall rushed for a weekly league-high 177 yards om the 31-21 win over the Broncos. His 72-yard touchdown burst gave the Jets a 15-13 advantage early in the fourth quarter and they led the rest of the way.
The defense, which had already performed well against superstar quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, did its job in Denver and put eight points on the scoreboard as well with a safety and fumble return touchdown.
From NFL Week 5 Power Rankings: 49ers Are the Obvious Choice for No. 1:
14. New York Jets (2–3)
Last week: win at Denver, 31–21
Next week: vs. Philadelphia
I’ve seen over the last two weeks some confident mobility from Zach Wilson, who has run more times over the last two games (9) than he has over the first three weeks (6). While it doesn’t make a huge difference, it does signal that the timer is clicking in Wilson’s head. He now has the pocket feel to better sense when a play is breaking down and he is costing the Jets less on a down-by-down basis. Seems like good coaching to me, along with a willing pupil.
The Jets are the third-ranked AFC East team this week. The Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills occupy the No. 6 and No. 7 slots, respectively. The Patriots have slipped all the way down to No. 25 overall.
The San Francisco 49ers are the NFL's top-ranked team. The Philadelphia Eagles. the Jets' Week 6 opponent, are No. 2 overall. Meanwhile, the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs sit third.
The 49ers and the Eagles are the lone remaining undefeated teams in the league at 5-0. The Eagles opened as a 6.5-point road favorite over Gang Green in the October 15 affair at MetLife Stadium.
READ MORE:
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