Jets Labeled 'Dark Horse' Pick for Playoff Run

Jets Labeled ‘Dark Horse’ Pick for Playoff Run originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The New York Jets are fresh off a miserable 5-12 season where head coach Robert Saleh was fired in October after a 2-3 start and general manager Joe Douglas was let go after the team was 3-8 on Nov. 19.

Jeff Ulbrich took over for Saleh and posted a 3-9 mark to put a cap on a disappointing season with Aaron Rodgers under center.

Rodgers bolted for Pittsburgh in free agency and the Jets start over with now-journeyman and former first-round pick Justin Fields at quarterback.

Of the 18 teams that missed out on the postseason last year, PFSN believes the Jets are the fifth least likely to make a run next ye,ar as it ranked the 18 teams that missed the postseason last year, highlighting who’s most likely to make the leap in 2025.

14) New York Jets

“Entering the dark-horse tier, the 2025 New York Jets might be the best Jets team we’ve seen in years. New head coach Aaron Glenn should be able to turn the Jets’ defense back into the competitive unit it was under Robert Saleh, creating a platform for success. The commitment to Justin Fields suggests the team will lean heavily on the run game, complementing its defensive approach. Fields still has much to prove as a passer, and will get little help from his receivers outside of Garrett Wilson, who will likely get double-teamed throughout the year.

“The Jets could take a big step forward this season in a division containing a spluttering Miami Dolphins and a rebuilding New England Patriots. If they can get it right, they have a path to playoff football, but their No. 14 ranking acknowledges their long-shot status.”

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.

Jets Labeled ‘Dark Horse’ Pick for Playoff Run

Tags: