2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition
29. New York Jets, -4.80 nERD
You're probably wondering why it took so long for us to get to the New York Jets, but hey, the algorithms don't necessarily factor in tanking this early.
The Jets also have a strong defensive front, and they finished fourth in Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP per play in 2016. They also were terrible against the pass in 2016 (29th by our metrics) and ostensibly shored things up a tad by selecting a pair of safties with their first two picks in the draft: Jamal Adams (6th) and Marcus Maye (39th). Simply put, there are reasons to think they can at least play league-average defense.
Offensively, well, they were 30th in Adjusted NEP per play last season (30th in passing and 16th in rushing).
Bilal Powell should be more involved in the offense this season, and that bodes well, as he ranked second among 40 rushers with at least 100 carries last year in Rushing NEP per play and Rushing Success Rate. Even if Matt Forte splits touches, the Jets' defense and running attack could mitigate disaster.
They enter 2017 with an uninspiring quarterback competition between Josh McCown, Christian Hackenberg, and Bryce Petty, rendering moot any positives you could spin. Package that with the fifth-toughest schedule by projected nERD, and the Jets' 5-game win total is -150 in sportsbooks for a reason.
