Lions and Jets set to clash in Week 3 after mixed early-season performances
Detroit seeks to rebound from a loss to Buffalo, while New York looks to improve on a strong defensive start as the two teams meet in Week 3.
Detroit will try to bounce back Sunday after a loss to the Buffalo Bills, while the New York Jets aim to stay unbeaten with a 2-0 record. Both teams have shown improvements in different areas since the season opened.
The Lions' passing attack, ranked 13th in DVOA, posted 204 yards and a 96.7 passer rating against the Saints and 289 yards with a 130.0 rating versus the Bills. Quarterback Jared Goff showed better second-half performance against Buffalo, but the unit faced 29 pressures and four sacks, the most recent coming from backup linemen. Returning starters Larry Borom and Ben Bartch are expected to strengthen pass protection.
New York's pass defense, now second in yards per attempt allowed (4.7) and 12th in passer rating (85.8), has been bolstered by rookie edge rusher David Bailey, who recorded two sacks and eight pressures. The secondary includes third-round pick Azareye’h Thomas, who earned a high PFF grade.
On the ground, Detroit's rushing offense ranked fourth in DVOA last season but posted mixed results this year, with 165 yards (5.0 YPC) against the Saints and 66 yards (3.3 YPC) versus the Bills. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs ranks fifth in yards after contact. The Jets' run defense allowed 131 yards in two games, though the sample size is small.
New York's passing game, led by Geno Smith, has avoided turnovers and recorded modest yardage (215 and 218 yards in the first two weeks). The Jets rank 15th in yards per attempt (7.1) and have the league’s top pass-blocking grade. Their receiving corps is led by Garrett Wilson.
Detroit's secondary has struggled, ranking 19th in yards per attempt allowed (7.6) and 21st in passer rating allowed (99.7). However, the Lions have generated pressure, recording seven sacks and 41 pressures in two weeks.
Analysts note that the Lions hold a slight edge in the passing matchup, while the Jets have a marginal advantage in the running game. Overall, the projection is a close contest, with a predicted final score of Lions 24, Jets 20.