New York in an excellent state of mind as Jets, Giants crack top 10 in ESPN's power rankings

Philadelphia isn't the only city on a sports roll. For the first time in recent memory, the Jets and Giants have both cracked into the top 10 of ESPN's NFL Power Rankings. 

After a 27-10 rout of the Green Bay Packers, the Jets climbed from 16th in the poll last week to ninth. They are 4-2 and trail only the 5-1 Bills for the lead in the AFC East. The Giants are ranked fifth, up from 11th the previous week.

A Western New York team, the Bills, stands atop the ESPN rankings. 

“We see where we can go when we do the things we need to do,” Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams told reporters earlier this week 

The Jets have been mostly a laughingstock for more than 10 years, known mostly for the "Butt Fumble" and late-game collapses. Their last playoff game came in 2011, when they lost to the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.

The top song on the charts at the time was "Grenade" by Bruno Mars.

Wrote ESPN Jets reporter Rich Cimini in his rankings report: "The rookie class is developing quicker than expected. Cornerback Sauce Gardner and running back Breece Hall, in particular, have made such an impact that they have to be considered candidates for Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year, respectively."

The Giants have also surprised this season. After a 4-13 disappointment in 2021, the G-Men are 5-1 and in the thick of things in the powerful NFC East. Just like their stadium-mates, they are a game out of first in their division. 

Wrote ESPN Giants writer Jordan Raanan in his rankings report: "Coach Brian Daboll has this team believing and finishing. They've outscored opponents 87-49 in the second half of games."

The Jets and Bills will play each other twice this regular season -- on Nov. 6 and Dec. 11.