Competent Effort Lifts Jets Three Spots in Sports Illustrated's NFL Power Rankings

Sunday Night Football showing boosts outlook for Gang Green moving forward

One week, you're down. The next week, you're up. Such can be life in the National Football Legue, and more specifically the NFL Power Rankings.

The New York Jets sank to a season-low No. 24 standing in Sports Illustrated's weekly rankings after a Week 3 loss to New England, but a valiant Week 4 effort against the reigning Super Bowl champions has Robert Saleh's team on the rise. 

The Jets have jumped up three spots to No. 21 overall in the 32-team league. 

Gang Green's latest status places the team third amongst AFC East rivals. The Buffalo Bills sit fourth from the top with the Miami Dolphins sliding in at No. 7 overall. The Patriots, who dropped a 38-3 decision to Dallas for their third loss in four games, slipped down to No. 26 slot on the list.

Despite falling to 1-3 with a 23-20 loss to Kansas City on Sunday Night Football, the No. 21 Jets are ranked ahead of three 2-2 teams — Steelers (21), Titans (23), Commanders (24). 

Quarterback Zach Wilson's newfound competence coupled with the fact that Gang Green made both Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen look human could have something to do with their rising league standing. 

"I thought he was really good, gave us a chance to win the game. If he plays like that, we're gonna win a lot of football games," said Saleh after Wilson posted a 105.6 quarterback rating against the Chiefs.

After pulling out a road win over the Jets, the Chiefs landed at No. 2 overall in the SI NFL Power Rankings. The Super Bowl LVII champs are one spot behind the San Francisco 49ers and one spot ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles.

From NFL Week 4 Power Rankings: McCaffrey Leads 49ers to Top:

21. New York Jets (1–3)

Last week: loss vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 23–20 

Next week: at Denver

I think the Jets have shown some incredible resilience throughout the season, coming back against the Bills and then down 17 against the defending American Football Champions. Hopefully, we see more of the team’s usage of creative max protection offenses that can get Zach Wilson comfortable and moving. This was maybe the third or fourth time in his career he felt comfortable enough to flash the beautiful arm talent that got him drafted so highly in the first place. The Jets’ schedule softens from here. 

— Conor Orr

Late Fumble Derails Jets' Upset Bid, Spoils Wilson's Bounce-Back Performance

The Jets next test takes the team to Denver for an October 8 matchup that holds no shortage of storylines. The Green & White opened as 2.5-point underdogs to the Broncos, who are coming off a 31-28 comeback win over Chicago.

READ MORE:

Jets Sign Three PS Players, Release Former First-Rounder

Jets React to Late-Game Officiating in Loss to Chiefs

Jets' Offensive Line Pivot Showing Viability