Yes, the New York Jets and Giants both have winning records for the first time since week 9 of the 2015 season! New York football fans are finally excited to watch their teams play on Sundays. Both teams had a 4-13 record to finish the 2021-2022 season. The New York Jets are currently 6-3, and the New York Giants are 7-2.

Both teams drafted amazing players that are really contributing to their success. The Jets drafted cornerback Sauce Gardner, running back Breece Hall, and wide receiver Garrett Wilson. The Giants drafted edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, offensive tackle Evan Neal, and wide receiver Wan ’Dale Robinson. The Giants finally have a healthy running back (Saquon Barkley) this year and a brand-new head coach, Brian Dabel. Both teams have finally found a way to win again.

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and his offense were back at it again for week 10 versus the Houston Texans after coming off a bye week. After falling to the Seahawks in week 8, the Giants were going into their bye week focusing on staying healthy and preparing for the Texans. That was not the case for Giants defensive back Xavier McKinney, who fractured four fingers in an ATV accident and is out of action for at least the next four weeks. This injury set the Giants back but did not stop them from defeating the Texans 24-16. This makes the Giants 7-2 and tied for third place in the entire league. They are looking like the old Giants: a strong defense and a solid running game. Sophomore Luca Palleschi said this when asked about the return of Barkley: “I think that this is what all Giants fans have been waiting for. The last few years he has struggled with injuries and never had a good season besides his rookie year. He has put the team on his back and has helped lead the Giants to a 7-2 record so far.”

In week 9, the Jets were facing their biggest challenge of the season: the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have been dominating the NFL ever since Josh Allen was drafted in 2018. The Bills were listed as a top-three team and were expected to beat the Jets with ease. They are even projected to go to the Super Bowl this year. Heading into the game, the Jets had some significant injuries. Jets rookie running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Corey Davis suffered knee injuries and did not play. The Jets were able to acquire James Robinson from the Jaguars, they utilized Garrett Wilson, and along with a great performance by the whole team this resulted in a win against the heavily favored Buffalo Bills. For the first time in a long time, the AFC is looking up to the Jets in the standings instead of down. Junior Jake Schettini had this to say about the main component to the Jets success this year: “The defense. Their defense has been a top-five unit, and that has led them to many wins this year. They improved their defense this offseason by drafting Sauce Gardner and by signing D.J. Reed. Their pass rush has also been great, and their team as a whole has been fun to watch this year.”

The NFL has reached the halfway point, and, yes, New York football fans, the playoffs are in sight and hopes for the Super Bowl are still alive.