Buy or Sell biggest Jets trends after up-and-down start to 2026 season

The New York Jets have started the 2026 season stronger than they usually do, dominating the Tennessee Titans in a Week 1 win and nearly pulling off an upset against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 after leading in the fourth quarter.

As is the case with some vocal Jets fans, opinions on this team change week-to-week. Even with the way they lost to Green Bay, a dominant win and an overtime loss against a superior opponent is not the worst way for the season to begin.

Before the Jets take on a motivated Detroit Lions team with time to prepare, will many of the trends that have popped up through two weeks last throughout the season, or are they fool's gold?

Buy or Sell after New York Jets start off 2026 with 1-1 record

Aaron Glenn's defense is legit

After two weeks, Glenn's defenses are averaging just 197 total yards allowed per game, having surrendered just 30 points combined against Green Bay and Tennessee despite Minkah Fitzpatrick, D'Angelo Ponds, and Joseph Ossai all suffering injuries.

Glenn doesn't have the 2000 Ravens, and there will be some regression, but with what the talent level is on this unit right now, Glenn has done a tremendous job.

Verdict: Buy

Frank Reich is back as an OC

Reich has shown that he is not a dinosaur by NFL standards and appears to be way ahead of the usual Nathaniel Hackett-level dreck who calls plays for the Jets. However, he has been very uneven.

Reich's run-heavy 12-personnel approach from the Tennessee game was followed by operating out of 11 personnel despite lacking Omar Cooper Jr. in the line. Reich also came under fire for his fourth-quarter play-calling against Green Bay, namely for his overly conservative approach.

Reich knows how to give an offense a high floor, but fans need to see a bit more spark.

Verdict: Sell

David Bailey has underwhelmed

Bailey, who leads all rookies in pressures through the first two weeks, has notched two sacks (albeit one of which came when he chased Cam Ward out of bounds on a scramble).

Fans may have expected a Myles Garrett-level impact from the No. 2 overall pick. While he hasn't done that, he's gotten into the backfield quite often and held his own as a run defender. All of this has come with a lack of star power alongside him on the defensive line.

Verdict: Sell

Azareye'h Thomas is CB1

With Brandon Stephens doing his Brandon Stephens thing and D'Angelo Ponds on the mend, Thomas needed to step up in a big way. Without being too toxicly positive, allowing one catch for -1 yard while making multiple quality run stuffs against Green Bay certainly qualifies.

If he learns how to better defend deep passes, Thomas could be in for a breakout season.

Verdict: Buy

The Jets will play meaningful football in December

This doesn't mean the Jets will make the playoffs or that Glenn will be the coach who turns this thing around. However, this team is vastly improved from last year, so much so that a ground-and-pound offense and improved defense could be enough to chalk up wins.

Verdict: Buy

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