Jets Jump Again in Sports Illustrated's NFL Power Rankings

Gang Green ascends for third consecutive week as playoff hopes exist heading into bye

The New York Jets continued their climb in Sports Illustrated's weekly NFL Power Rankings, moving up two slots following their Week 6 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. 

By knocking the Eagles from the ranks of the unbeaten, the Jets jumped up to No. 12 overall and sit in between the No. 11 Los Angeles Chargers and the No. 13 Seattle Seahawks on the 32-team list. Philadelphia, which suffered its first-ever loss to New York's AFC franchise, dropped one slot to No. 3 overall.

After falling to a season-low No. 24 as a result of a Week 3 loss to New England, Gang Green has enjoyed a boost three weeks in a row.

The Jets have reached their bye week after completing their grueling six-game season-opening stretch with a 3-3 overall record. 

"It is exciting. You get a big win going into the bye week, you have your whole season ahead of you," said third-year head coach Robert Saleh on Monday. "The important thing is that we attack the heck out of this week. Be deliberate in our approach."

On offense, running back Breece Hall has returned to his pre-injury form and quarterback Zach Wilson has reached a level of competency in Nathaniel Hackett's offense. The defense successfully contained superstar quarterbacks Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts with the trio accounting for a 3:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

"Through these first six weeks, we have played a gauntlet of quarterbacks. I know we haven’t won them all, but we’ve embarrassed all of them. Just really, really proud of the defense and their resolve," said Saleh after a 20-14 victory at MetLife Stadium.

From NFL Week 6 Power Rankings: Upset-Filled Sunday Provides Shakeup:

12. New York Jets (3–3)

Last week: win vs. Philadelphia, 20–14

Next week: Bye

Everything is good in Jets world, and I feel like the worst part of their absolutely ridiculous schedule is behind them. There are still a few prime time games left, but the Jets enter the bye week with the Giants on the other side. Games against the Raiders and Commanders are also in the fold. I don’t know if they can play this emotionally topped out for a long period of time, but it is clear this team has bonded around their circumstances. The defensive game plan for Philly was absolutely brilliant. The Jets are also finding ways to get Garrett Wilson involved despite him having way below average separation against a good defense on Sunday. 

Sports Illustrated Features Jets in Winner's Circle Again

The Jets remained the third-ranked AFC East team this week. The Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills occupy the No. 4 and No. 5 slots, respectively. Meanwhile, the Patriots have bottomed out at No. 32 overall.

Despite their Week 6 loss in Cleveland, the San Francisco 49ers remain the NFL's top-ranked team. The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs sit one spot behind. 

The Jets return to action on October 29 against the New York Giants in a designated road game at MetLife Stadium.

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