Survey: 46% of Jets fans are 'preparing for disappointment'
Jets fans are the least optimistic group in the NFL heading into the 2026 season according to a study by Casino.ca that looks at what it calls The Hope Index.
The survey of 5,000 fans of all 32 teams combined everything from “projected wins and playoff expectations to confidence in each team's quarterback, head coach, and offseason moves.” That data is then compiled into a scale of 0-100.
The Jets scored a 22.
Among the findings:
- Jets fans gave Geno Smith a confidence rating of just 4.1 out of 10, well below the league average of 6.9.
- Confidence in head coach Aaron Glenn was 4.9 compared to the league average of 6.9.
- 46% are preparing for disappointment
- 35% expect another rebuilding year
- 10% think the team will be competitive but fall short
- 9% predict a playoff berth
- 0% believe this is their year to win the Super Bowl
- Kansas City fans topped the Hope Index with a score of 98. The Rams (97/100) and reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks (97/100) were just one point behind. Seven fanbases scored 90 or above.
- The Giants ranked 22nd in the league with a score of 56.
- The teams just ahead of the Jets were Cleveland (25) and Tennessee (30).
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
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