Another Jets' Loss, Another Drop in Power Rankings to Season Low

Offensive woes pushing New York into basement as season slips away with five games remaining

The New York Jets' slide in the standings continues to coincide with a drop in Sports Illustrated's weekly NFL power rankings.

Mired in a five-game losing streak, the Jets (4-8) are approaching the basement after falling for the fifth week in a row. The 13-8 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons pushed New York down to a season-low No. 27 overall ranking, sandwiching the Jets in between the No. 26 Washington Commanders (4-9) and the No. 28 Tennessee Titans (4-8). 

Prior to the free fall, the Green & White ascended to the No. 12 spot on the heels of a Week 8 win over the Giants.

The San Francisco 49ers (9-3) have overtaken the Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) for the No. 1 spot in the NFL heading into Week 14. The No. 3 Baltimore Ravens (9-3) own the AFC's top ranking. 

The Jets are the third-ranked AFC East team on the weekly list, sitting above the No. 31 New England Patriots (2-10). The division-leading Miami Dolphins (9-3) sit seventh overall followed by the Buffalo Bills (6-6) in the No. 13 spot.

"We have to focus one at a time. I get it. Whether you’re in or out of it, it doesn’t matter. You have to show up. You have to work. You have to find ways to get better and compete," said Saleh after the Jets lost their fifth straight game.

New York will try to awaken its offense by making another change at starting quarterback and going back to former No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson. The team released Tim Boyle after back-to-back duds as the starter. The Jets has scored only 10 offensive touchdowns through 12 games. The passing offense (260.1) ranks 31st out of 32 teams in yards per game.

Set to visit MetLife Stadium on December 10, the Houston Texans (7-5) own the No. 9 overall ranking after posting a 22-17 win over Denver in Week 13. The Texans' pass defense, however, is vulnerable. Houston ranks 30th in yards per pass play allowed (7.19).

From NFL Power Rankings: 49ers Win NFC’s Heavyweight Battle:

27. New York Jets (4–8)

Last week: loss vs. Atlanta, 13–8

Next week: vs. Houston

Cooler heads will ultimately prevail as it pertains to Zach Wilson and whether or not he actually wants to play in a football game for the New York Jets. Personally, I think he owes it to a coaching staff that defended him through some fairly merciless stretches of this football season before finally pulling the plug. But it’s hard not to feel for Wilson, too, who has to feel like his best football may simply be somewhere else. 

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