Don’t look now, Jets fans, but your team has the top-rated defense and rushing game in the NFL. Today they’re heading to Lambeau Field to take on a Green Bay Packers team that’s near the bottom in almost every category. What sort of crazy, mixed-up world is this? Oh, just the NFL in Week 2.
You’re not alone if you think both of those stats sound crazy. The New York Jets enter today’s Packers game with the top-rated defense and rushing game, the 10th-ranked overall offense and the 24th-ranked passing attack. The Packers, meanwhile, always considered a favorite for their division, enter today’s Jets game with the 21st-ranked defense, 23rd-ranked rushing game, 21st overall defense and the 29th-ranked offense.
Few people would say that trend will hold up. Even Las Vegas has Green Bay as an 8.5-point favorite in today’s Jets / Packers game, seemingly defying all reason. If it weren’t just Week 2, of course.
Jets quarterback Geno Smith last week completed 82% of his passes for 221 yards and a touchdown, and he gained 38 yards on the ground. Still, they needed a massive 71-yard touchdown run to seal the win.
The Packers, meanwhile, played their season opener in Seattle against the Seahawks, who were motivated after their pre-game Super Bowl banner ceremony. As if their 36-16 loss weren’t bad enough, the Packers lost running back Eddie Lacy to a concussion, meaning he’ll sit out today’s Jets game and at least one more per NFL protocols.
That will put extra pressure on Packers QB Aaron Rodgers to deliver at home against the Jets. Rodgers went 23-for-33 passing for 189 yards, only the third time in 25 full games that he’s failed to pass for at least 200 yards. He was also sacked three times. With Lacy out and the Jets having the best team defense last week, all eyes will be on Rodgers to turn it around for Green Bay.
Today’s NY Jets / Green Bay Packers game is being broadcast live on TV on CBS. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25pm EST / 1:25pm PST. You can also watch Jets vs Packers game online free live streaming Week 2 using the CBS Sports website or DirecTV’s website. The latter requires you to have an NFL Sunday Ticket MAX package, which requires a subscription. All subscribers can watch the game online free via the DirecTV live stream if they have to use a smartphone, tablet or PC.
