The New York Jets are coming off a much-needed win, edging the Atlanta Falcons 27-24 in Week 13. It was their third victory of the season-and while that doesn’t suddenly vault them into playoff conversations, it does give this team a pulse heading into the final stretch of the year.
At 3-9, the Jets are still near the bottom of the league standings, but there's a bit of upward movement in national power rankings this week. And for a team that’s been stuck in the NFL basement most of the year, that’s worth noting.
Let’s break down how the Jets are being viewed across the league heading into Week 14-and why there might be more to this team than the record suggests.
USA Today: No. 26 (Up from 30)
The quiet addition of wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in the Sauce Gardner trade is starting to look like a potential steal. Mitchell’s breakout performance against Atlanta-eight catches, 102 yards, and a touchdown-wasn’t just a flash; it was a sign that the Jets may have found something real.
Add in the two first-round picks acquired in that deal, and suddenly, what looked like a controversial trade could become a long-term win for New York. Patience might be paying off.
Pro Football Talk: No. 25 (Up from 27)
The big question here isn’t about this season-it’s about what’s coming next. With so many moving pieces and a roster in transition, the Jets are likely to look very different in 2026. But even in a year filled with losses, the front office has made some intriguing moves that could shape the future.
The Athletic: No. 27 (Up from 30)
The Jets are still a long shot to go on any kind of run, but that’s not really the point right now. What matters is that they’re competing.
First-year head coach Aaron Glenn has this group playing hard, even with a roster that’s been thinned out by trades and injuries. That late-season fight is a good sign-not just for the locker room culture, but for Glenn’s long-term outlook as a leader.
Bleacher Report: No. 28 (Up from 31)
Mitchell’s breakout wasn’t just a bright spot-it was the story of the game. For a player who was seen as a secondary piece in a blockbuster trade, he looked every bit like a future star on Sunday.
With Garrett Wilson already established as WR1 (when healthy), the idea of pairing him with Mitchell-assuming the Jets can stabilize the quarterback position-has to excite fans. The Colts, meanwhile, are struggling, and Sauce Gardner left his game with a calf injury.
The early returns on that trade are tilting in New York’s favor.
CBS Sports: No. 26 (Up 5 spots)
Winning three of their last five games might not sound like much, but for a team that’s been through a revolving door at quarterback and traded away one of its biggest stars, it’s a sign of resilience. There’s still a long road ahead, but Aaron Glenn has this team showing some real fight.
FOX Sports: No. 26 (Up 1 spot)
They didn’t have an answer for Falcons running back Bijan Robinson-who ran wild-but somehow, they still pulled out the win. It wasn’t pretty, but it was gritty. And for a fanbase that’s been through a lot this season, sometimes it’s okay to not ask how-just enjoy the win.
Sports Illustrated: No. 26 (Up from 29)
Since Week 11, offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand has started to find a rhythm with this offense. The Jets rank 23rd in expected points added (EPA) over that stretch-not exactly elite, but ahead of some solid teams like the Buccaneers, Chargers, and even the Ravens.
That’s a credit to Engstrand’s play design, which is opening up opportunities for new faces like Mitchell. There’s a sense that the offense is finally trending in the right direction.
ESPN: No. 28 (Up from 30)
The X-factor down the stretch? Defensive end Will McDonald IV.
The 2023 first-round pick is on pace for another double-digit sack season, but he’s been streaky. Four of his seven sacks came in Week 10 alone.
His pressure rate has dipped from 16.3% last year to 11.7% this season, per NFL Next Gen Stats. The Jets will have a big decision to make on his fifth-year option by May-currently projected at $14.9 million guaranteed for 2027.
What It All Means
The Jets are still a work in progress, but there are signs of life. Adonai Mitchell looks like a potential star.
The offense is slowly finding its footing. The defense, while inconsistent, has blue-chip talent.
And Aaron Glenn has this team playing with pride, even when the stakes are low.
No one’s pretending a 3-9 record is anything to celebrate. But in a season that’s been more about rebuilding than results, Week 13 offered a glimpse of what the next chapter could look like. And if the Jets can keep stacking small wins-on the field and in the front office-they might just be turning a corner.