The complete 2026 NFL schedule was launched Thursday. Right here is how the Jets schedule shapes up:
Three hardest video games
Week 4: at Bears
That is possible the Jets’ final journey to Soldier Area because the Bears look to maneuver into a brand new stadium. The Jets are 2-4 all-time there. The larger situation than the stadium is the workforce the Jets should face. Caleb Williams and Co. shall be a check for the Jets protection. Bears coach Ben Johnson and Jets coach Aaron Glenn had been coordinators along with the Lions, including somewhat spice to this matchup.
Week 6: at Patriots
The Patriots returned to the highest of the division final season and the Jets returned to wanting up at them within the standings. Geno Smith pulled off a memorable upset towards the Patriots as a rookie. Can he do it once more in his second stint with the Jets?
Week 18: at Payments
The Jets finish the season in chilly Buffalo for the second straight yr. The Jets haven’t gained in Buffalo since 2019. Now, they get to face Josh Allen in his new digs because the Payments open their new stadium this yr. On their final three journeys there, the Jets haven’t simply misplaced, they’ve been annihilated by 26, 26 and 27 factors, respectively.
Three best video games
Week 5: vs. Browns
The Browns had been one of many three groups the Jets beat final season and, on paper, the Jets are higher this yr. The query with the Browns is who their quarterback shall be: Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, another person? This must also be concerning the time the Jets hit their stride as they alter to new coordinators.
Week 7: vs. Dolphins
Miami is within the early levels of a rebuild and has holes over its roster. This units up properly for a Jets victory at MetLife Stadium. This shall be a revenge sport for brand spanking new Jets security Minkah Fitzpatrick, who was traded by the Dolphins to the Jets in March.
Week 8: vs. Raiders
Right here comes a “what if” sport. What if the Jets misplaced to the Falcons final yr? They may have ended up with the No. 1 choose and quarterback Fernando Mendoza. As an alternative, the Raiders landed him. He could also be on the bench for this sport, but when he performs, Glenn’s protection must feast on the rookie.
Three notable video games
Week 1: at Titans
The Robert Saleh Revenge Recreation. The Jets will face their former coach in his first sport as Tennessee’s coach. There shall be loads of discuss this teaching matchup between every now and then however this units as much as be a positive opener for the Jets. The Titans have a brand new teaching workers and will take just a few weeks to jell.
Week 3: at Lions
Glenn returns to Detroit, the place he was the defensive coordinator for 4 years below Dan Campbell earlier than taking the Jets job. This shall be a significant check for Glenn’s rebuilt protection towards the high-powered Lions offense led by Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Week 12: at Dolphins
The Jets haven’t gained in South Florida since 2014 after they had been quarterbacked by … Geno Smith. That was the ultimate sport of the Rex Ryan period, so it’s been some time. The Jets are 6-30 within the AFC East over the previous six seasons. If they’re really going to show issues round, it begins with successful within the division.
When’s the bye
The Jets don’t get their bye till Week 13. That comes very late within the season. The Jets are going to should hope they’ve good well being early within the season as a result of there isn’t a relaxation coming till late. If you happen to’re in search of the constructive, this offers them a relaxation earlier than the stretch run if they’re in rivalry.
General takeaway
It’s surprising that the Jets obtained no primetime video games for the primary time since 2007, per ESPN. I get that the NFL doesn’t have excessive expectations for the Jets, however a full slate of Sunday video games is beautiful. The stretch in Weeks 2-4 towards the NFC North foes stands out as a really troublesome phase of the schedule. If they’re 2-2 after the primary 4 video games, that’s going to be a cause to rejoice. Ending the season in Buffalo once more is one other powerful one to swallow for the Jets. They should win some video games in October and early November after they have the Browns, Dolphins and Raiders on the schedule.
