Week 2: New York Jets (1-0) at Green Bay Packers (0-1), 4:25 p.m.
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisc.
Weather: Partly sunny, low-60s at kickoff; Less than 5 percent chance of rain. (accuweather)
The skinny: The Jets got the job done last week against the Oakland Raiders in the friendly confines of MetLife, but a trip to Lambeau to face a Packers squad coming off a 10-day break poses, let's just say, a "different" kind of challenge. The Jets' patchwork cornerback corps held up last week and will get its top cover guy back in some capacity, though the unit's first real test comes at the hands of Aaron Rodgers & Co. Running back Eddie Lacy also poses a legitimate challenge for Gang Green's stout defensive front. Geno Smith overcame a couple miscues last week and moved the ball with high efficiency and looks to keep that momentum going, though a heavy does of the run game is in order against a run defense that was gashed Week 1 in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
What to watch for (links):
- What kind of plan does Rex Ryan have in store for the secondary to slow down Rodgers?
- How will Antonio Allen fare against Jordy Nelson?
- Can the Jets control the clock on the backs of Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson?
- Will the Jets be able to run the no huddle successfully in a loud Green Bay stadium?
- How will linebacker David Harris handle "defensive coordinator" duties?
- Can Gang Green neutralize the Packers' passing attack via the rush?
Injury report:
Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson, arguably the team's best player on that side of the ball, was a late addition to the injury report Saturday with a back ailment. However, he's listed as probable and expected to be fine. Cornerback Dee Milliner is finally slated to return, but not in a starting role. Lacy was banged up last week but was cleared to play this week.
Other tidbits from the week:
Jets receiver Eric Decker continues to play the underdog role; Michael Vick won't be doing a weekly spot with Mike Francesa after all; Ellis Lankster is back to assume a special teams role.
Our picks:
Nick: Packers 24, Jets 20
Dan: Jets 20, Packers 17
Sean: Packers 41, Jets 13
Head-to-head recent history:
The Jets lost their last bout with the Packers in a 9-0 bore-fest at home in 2010. New York, however, won the prior three straight meetings dating back to 2000 and leads the overall head-to-head series, 8-3.
What to watch for (links):
- What kind of plan does Rex Ryan have in store for the secondary to slow down Rodgers?
- How will Antonio Allen fare against Jordy Nelson?
- Can the Jets control the clock on the backs of Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson?
- Will the Jets be able to run the no huddle successfully in a loud Green Bay stadium?
- How will linebacker David Harris handle "defensive coordinator" duties?
- Can Gang Green neutralize the Packers' passing attack via the rush?
Injury report:
Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson, arguably the team's best player on that side of the ball, was a late addition to the injury report Saturday with a back ailment. However, he's listed as probable and expected to be fine. Cornerback Dee Milliner is finally slated to return, but not in a starting role. Lacy was banged up last week but was cleared to play this week.
Other tidbits from the week:
Jets receiver Eric Decker continues to play the underdog role; Michael Vick won't be doing a weekly spot with Mike Francesa after all; Ellis Lankster is back to assume a special teams role.
Our picks:
Nick: Packers 24, Jets 20
Dan: Jets 20, Packers 17
Sean: Packers 41, Jets 13
Head-to-head recent history:
The Jets lost their last bout with the Packers in a 9-0 bore-fest at home in 2010. New York, however, won the prior three straight meetings dating back to 2000 and leads the overall head-to-head series, 8-3.
