NFL

Jets’ Ryan talks playoffs

Rex Ryan didn’t make any of his trademark guarantees, but the Jets coach sure sounded yesterday like he is on board with Antonio Cromartie’s prediction of second-half rally into the playoffs.

Defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson took the baton from Cromartie yesterday, saying he also expects the Jets to come back from their 3-5 hole starting tomorrow in Seattle and make the playoffs.

All of that sounded good to Ryan, despite the gloom still enveloping his team following consecutive losses to the Patriots and Dolphins.

“We know the task is a huge task in front of us,” Ryan said yesterday when asked about Cromartie’s comments. “We’re down, but we’re certainly not out. We have half of our season in front of us and we’re attacking it with the mentality that we are going to make the playoffs.

“We are confident in ourselves. Others, outside of our fan base and our organization, maybe they aren’t as confident, but quite honestly that’s fine. None of us are where we wanted to be, but the season isn’t over. For us, we feel confident in our abilities that — when it’s all said and done, no matter how tough the task — that we can make the playoffs.”

* The Jets won’t have RB Joe McKnight (ankle) or DT Kenrick Ellis (knee) against the Seahawks after both were ruled out by Ryan.

Ryan sounded as if McKnight could have played if this were a playoff-type situation, but the Jets are opting to leave him behind because it’s an interconference game and they want him healthy later on. The Jets expect to have RB Bilal Powell tomorrow, so McKnight sitting out doesn’t entirely deplete their backfield.

“With Joe McKnight, it’s one of those types of deals where if he can get 25 percent better by not playing in a game, it’s probably time to do that,” Ryan said. “That’s why we’re going that route.”

Ryan added the Jets are optimistic Ellis will be able to play next week.

* Fresh off the Jets’ $500,000 donation Thursday to Hurricane Sandy relief, Ryan said he will wear at cap during the game with a logo bearing the words “NJ/NY Strong.”

“Hopefully, when they see this on the sideline that they understand that we’re with them and we’re definitely thinking about them,” said Ryan, who also wore the hat to his press conference. “We’re also trying to represent our region when we go up there to play this game.If they can get something encouraging out of our performance, then that really motivates and drives us as well.