Jordan Love received an unexpected boost before the Green Bay Packers’ Week 2 matchup with the New York Jets. When the official inactive lists were released 90 minutes before kickoff at MetLife Stadium, Jets rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds was surprisingly ruled out. That was despite optimism throughout the week that he would make his NFL debut after recovering from a calf injury. His absence leaves a Jets secondary exposed against Green Bay’s explosive passing attack.

Love enters the matchup after throwing for 387 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. Christian Watson emerged as a major downfield threat. Sure, Sauce Gardner remains a formidable presence on the perimeter. Ponds’ absence, though, could give Green Bay additional opportunities to attack underneath and over the middle. They can do that through Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden and their other receiving options. New York’s defense will still present a significant challenge. However, the Packers now have one fewer coverage variable to account for.

Green Bay enters Week 2 looking to erase the memory of a 39-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. They also want to keep building on Love’s impressive passing performance. With Josh Jacobs on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks will be tasked with helping establish the running game. The offensive line also faces a major test against a Jets pass rush capable of disrupting the pocket. Defensively, Green Bay's unit must clean up its gap discipline and limit explosive plays after struggling against Minnesota. Still, Love and the Packers offense have an opportunity to exploit a depleted Jets secondary.