Following a crazy trade deadline on Tuesday, the New York Jets take the field for the first time without several key stars from their defense, including Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams.

In a quest for the top overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, today’s contest is as important as any.

At 1-7, another loss would move the Jets closer to securing the No. 1 overall pick, and potentially the top quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft. A win, however, would drop the Jets to 2-6, putting the Cleveland Browns in the mix for that top selection.

According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Week 10 matchup between the Jets and Browns carries some of the league’s most significant draft implications.

If the Jets win, their odds of landing the top pick fall to just 8%. But if they lose, that number jumps to 27%. The Browns face a nearly identical situation, with their chances sitting at 6% with a win and spiking to 27% with a loss.

That leaves today’s matchup very important to both teams.

Here is a look at who will be inactive for both squads today in the Meadowlands.

Jets Inactive List

  • WR, Allen Lazard
  • WR, Adonai Mitchell
  • RB, Khalil Herbert
  • LB, Kiko Mauigoa
  • OL, Xavier Newman
  • TE, Jelani Woods
  • EDGE, Tyler Baron

Takeaways:

  • Garrett Wilson missed the last two games for the Jets due to a knee injury, but is a full-go for Sunday against Cleveland.
  • Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell was a part of the trade that sent Sauce Gardner to Indianapolis, but he will need more time to get acclimated to the Jets’ playbook. He’s a healthy scratch. With Lazard also listed as a healthy scratch, the Jets have Wilson, John Metchie III, Arian Smith, and Tyler Johnson suiting up.
  • Defensive tackle Mazi Smith, who was acquired in the Quinnen Williams trade on Tuesday, is active and will play today.
  • In the days leading up to Sunday, All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams had been benched. Kiko Mauigoa, though, is inactive for today’s game. Mykal Walker could be in contention to get a start. All eyes are on the linebacker position to see exactly who will start opposite Jamien Sherwood.

Browns Inactive List

  • WR, Isaiah Bond
  • RB, Raheim Sanders
  • OG, Zak Zinter
  • Ot, Cornelius Lucas
  • TE, Brenden Bates

Takeaways:

  • Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and linebacker Carson Schwesinger are both active for the Browns despite missing time with injuries.
  • With Fannin and David Njoku starting for the Browns, the Jets will need to key on Cleveland’s usage of tight ends going into today’s contest.