The New York Jets’ special teams unit isn’t just having a strong season — they’re on pace to become the best group the NFL has ever seen.
According to FTN Fantasy’s DVOA metric, the Jets hold a 12.4% special teams rating, a staggering figure. That number currently puts them on pace to deliver the most efficient special teams season since the metric started tracking in 1978.
For perspective, here are the top special teams performances in the DVOA era — all of them trailing where the Jets stand today:
- 2002 New Orleans Saints – 11.8%
- 1985 Las Angles Rams – 11.5%
- 2007 Chicago Bears – 11.2%
- 1994 Cleveland Browns – 10.4%
- 1986 New York Jets – 9.9%
- 1979 Philadelphia Eagles – 9.8%
- 2009 Cleveland Browns – 9.7%
- 1997 Dallas Cowboys – 9.4%
- 1996 Carolina Panthers – 9.3%
- 1986 New Orleans Saints – 9.3%
At 12.4%, the Jets aren’t just leading the league; they’re pacing for the best special teams season the DVOA era has ever seen, which Jets X-Factor’s Michael Nania has been tracking for weeks.
After Sunday’s game against Miami, which included a punt-return touchdown from Isaiah Williams, a perfect game from kicker Nick Folk, and two punts inside the 20-yard line from Austin McNamara, the Jets’ special teams unit improved from 11.3% to 12.4%, putting them officially on pace to make history.
The team ranks first in punt return DVOA (13.8%), which is nearly double the second-highest rated team, the San Fransico 49ers (7.7%), first in punt DVOA (14.8%), and second in field goal/extra point DVOA (10.1%), trailing just Brandon Aubrey and the Dallas Cowboys (11.7%).
Whenever the Jets have needed a boost, Chris Banjo’s unit has made a play. They significantly helped the Jets secure their Week 13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, and now they’re pushing toward a season that fans may look back on as historic.
This is greatness happening in real time.
