The Jets might be better off not taking the field when it comes to their standing in the USA TODAY NFL Power Rankings.
Despite being idle in Week 4, New York jumped up two spots from No. 29 to No. 27 in the latest edition of the power rankings. The rise can be credited to dismal performances from the Broncos and Cardinals, as well as the Bengals, Redskins and Dolphins remaining winless on the season.
The Jets have a chance to move up once again in the rankings in Week 5 against the Eagles, but are considered underdogs against Philadelphia with Sam Darnold’s status for Sunday still up in the air and an assortment of injuries on both sides of the ball plaguing the team. New York’s schedule gets relatively easier as the season progresses, which lends it multiple other opportunities to rise in the power rankings moving forward as well.
As for the rest of the AFC East, the Patriots remain atop the power rankings after knocking off the Bills, who move up from No. 12 to No. 11 despite the loss, by a slim margin. The Dolphins remain dead last in the rankings at No. 32 following their latest loss to the Chargers.
Rounding out the are two mainstays and two newcomers. The Chiefs come in at No. 2 for the second consecutive week, while the Saints move up five spots into the top five from No. 8 to No. 3. The Lions took an even bigger leap, going from No. 11 to No. 4. The Packers remain put at No. 5 following their Thursday night loss to the Eagles.
