Jets at Falcons: 3 X-factors on defense for Week 13

The New York Jets will face Atlanta Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 13. Atlanta's offense will also be without superstar wide receiver Drake London. Despite that, the 2-9 Jets are home underdogs at MetLife Stadium and must take a cautious approach on defense.

We've identified three potential X-factors for the Jets on defense in Week 13 against the Falcons' banged-up offense.

Jamien Sherwood, LB

Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood posted a team-high 13 tackles versus the Baltimore Ravens last weekend. Sherwood now has a team-high 102 tackles. The Falcons will probably take a run-heavy approach with Bijan Robinson, so the veteran linebacker must come downhill and play an aggressive game.

Brandon Stephens, CB

Brandon Stephens has been the Jets' top cornerback since the Sauce Gardner trade. The Falcons will be without Drake London, but Darnell Mooney had 74 receiving yards and a touchdown last weekend. Stephens will probably draw the Mooney matchup in coverage.

Harrison Phillips, DT

Veteran defensive tackle Harrison Phillips had an eye-popping eight tackles against Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson in Week 12. If the Jets' defense is to repeat last weekend's respectable performance, it'll be because Phillips helped keep Robinson in check. The big-bodied interior defender has been the unsung hero of the Jets' 2025 defense.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets at Falcons: 3 X-factors on defense for Week 13