Giants and Jets in the playoffs? Why it can happen, why it might not

The New York Giants (5-1) last reached the NFL postseason in 2016. The New York Jets (4-2) last got there in 2010. Both North Jersey teams haven’t reached the postseason in the same year since 2006, but there is considerable hope that meaningful January football is on the horizon for both long-struggling franchises.

How real is the East Rutherford NFL revolution of 2022? ESPN turned to its experts on the ground and beyond to assess the chances of both the Giants and Jets keeping the good times rolling long after the leaves have changed color in the Northeast:

Why they might keep it going

Giants

The Giants clearly have something going here. They’re playing hard and aren’t beating themselves like they’ve done in the past. First-year coach Brian Daboll preaches being smart, tough and dependable. It’s what they’re getting. There is a different feeling around this team with Daboll running the show.

“The guys that have been here are tired of losing,” center Jon Feliciano said. “They bought in.”

The blueprint has been laid and the Giants are following it every week: Run the ball. Make enough plays in the passing game. Play solid defense. Make stops in the red zone. Win it in the second half, when they have outscored the opposition 87-49.

You might say it’s unsustainable long term. And maybe it is. But the Giants are already 5-1 and have a favorable schedule on the horizon with Jacksonville, Seattle, Houston and Detroit before Thanksgiving. They also are getting healthier. Defensive lineman Leonard Williams and rookie wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson returned this week, and both played key roles in the win over Baltimore. Edge rusher Azeez Ojulari (calf) should be back this week, and wide receivers Kadarius Toney (hamstring) and Kenny Golladay (knee) aren’t far off either. This team has more wins in it. — Jordan Raanan

Jets

Dee-fense! No longer a defensive dumpster fire, the Jets have allowed only 47 points during their current three-game winning streak — and they’re getting…