New York Jets Rise in ESPN Power Rankings

The New York Jets rose in the ESPN Power Rankings Week 2 list, while the Green Bay Packers took a deep drop. 

But even so, the Jets are 4.5-point underdogs in their upcoming home opener against the Pack, which lost  to the Minnesota Vikings in a second-half collapse. That’s the nature of rankings, which reward perceptions as much as reality. 

The Jets are out to change their punching-bag image by continuing the roll they started against Tennessee, dominating the Titans in a 23-10 win. They won’t face an easy task in the Packers, who will undoubtedly be angry at blowing their first game and won’t want to start their season at 0-2 in a tough NFL North.

The ESPN rankings are compiled by more than a dozen NFL analysts evaluating how all 32 teams stack up against one another, ranking them from No. 1 to 32.

In addition to the 1-32 ranking, ESPN reporters name a non-QB newcomer — defined as a rookie, offseason acquisition or coaching hire — who shined in Week 1.  No quarterbacks are allowed. 

The New York Jets moved up two steps from their preseason ESPN ranking of 29, thanks to a dominating win over the Tennessee Titans. The Jets have a long way to go, though, to get to the top of the listings – they’re now at 27. 

Highlighted for his Week 1 contributions was tight end Kenyon Sadiq. He scored a touchdown on an end-around and had three receptions. He joined Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome as the only NFL tight ends to score a rushing touchdown in their first NFL game.

Sadiq was on the sideline most of training camp while recovering from a sports hernia, so his contribution was a pleasant surprise for a Jets offense that can use more firepower. Sadiq had 26 offensive snaps in that first game, but his role will likely grow. 

The Green Bay Packers took a big drop in the ESPN rankings, thanks to blowing a big second-half lead to the Minnesota Vikings and losing, 39-22. The Pack tumbled from No. 7 to No. 14 after their defeat to a divisional rival. 

Packers kicker Trey Smack was spotlighted by ESPN in his debut. He had a 59-yard field goal as his first NFL score, and later hit from 43 and 26. He also had a 40-yarder taken down because Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur opted to accept a Vikings penalty.

On the downside, he missed an extra point attempt and had just one kick go into the end zone.