Jets have NFL history on their side in Packers matchup thanks to Geno Smith

The New York Jets have begun the 2026 season 1-0 after a Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans. While the Titans didn't look good at all, the Jets showed moments worth getting excited about.

There's obviously room to grow, but so far, so good for the Jets in 2026. Looking now to Week 2 and their matchup against the Green Bay Packers, there is some real reason for optimism.

As ESPN's Rich Cimini highlighted, Geno Smith has a strong history against the Packers' defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon. Smith is undefeated in four matchups against Gannon and will be putting that streak to the test this weekend.

Jets' Geno Smith is undefeated versus Packers' DC Jonathan Gannon

"QB Geno Smith is 4-0 with six TD passes and only two interceptions against Jonathan Gannon-coached defenses (when he faced the Cardinals as the Seahawks' QB)," Cimini writes.

While Smith himself isn't "putting any stock" in his success against Gannon, according to Cimini, this history does bode well for the Jets in Week 2.

Frank Reich looked like a solid playcaller for the Jets in Week 1, and with Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Kenyon Sadiq, Adonai Mitchell, Mason Taylor, and a strong offensive line, there's reason to have confidence in this team for Week 2.

MORE: Carson Wentz changes Vikings quarterback conversation in stunning Week 1 win

Even though the Packers are projected as one of the better teams in the NFL, they're playing without Micah Parsons right now, and they have some major questions in the cornerback room that open the door for success this season.

Gannon's lack of success against Smith, combined with a surprisingly decent matchup, could lead to quite the Week 2 upset if history remains on Smith's side in his matchups against Gannon over the years.

Week 1 for Smith and the Jets was a success, and while the Packers' defense isn't anything extraordinary, it's still a solid unit that could give plenty of defenses a fit.

But after Carson Wentz and the Minnesota Vikings tore them up for 39 points in Week 1, it would not be too shocking if Smith and the Jets played well enough to secure a win.

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