New York Jets schedule 2026: Takeaways, predictions
FLORHAM PARK, NJ — The New York Jets‘2026 schedule was launched together with the remainder of the NFL slate Thursday.
There are two themes right here: No primetime video games for the primary time since 2007, per ESPN Research, and a scrumptious grudge match in Week 1.
They will face former coach Robert Saleh, who was unceremoniously fired by the Jets in the course of the 2024 season. A yr in the past, the Jets opened in opposition to former quarterback Aaron Rodgerswho had incurred the identical destiny.
Does this storyline sound acquainted? It ought to. The 2013 and 2021 openers have been additionally hyped across the ex-Jet angle — Darrelle Revis (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Sam Darnold (Carolina Panthers), respectively.
The Jets are one among 5 groups with no primetime video games. They’re additionally amongst six groups with out a Thursday night time recreation.
Here’s what’s in retailer for the Jets:
Jets 2026 regular-season schedule
Week 1: Sept. 13 at Tennessee Titans
Week 2: Sept. 20 vs. Green Bay Packers
Week 3: Sept. 27 at Detroit Lions
Week 4: Oct. 4 at Chicago Bears
Week 5: Oct. 11 vs. Cleveland Browns
Week 6: Oct. 18 at New England Patriots
Week 7: Oct. 25 vs. Miami Dolphins
Week 8: Nov. 1 vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Week 9: Nov. 8 at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 10: Nov. 15 vs. Buffalo Bills
Week 11: Nov. 22 at Los Angeles Chargers
Week 12: Nov. 29 at Miami Dolphins
Week 13: Bye week
Week 14: Dec. 13 vs. Denver Broncos
Week 15: Dec. 20 at Arizona Cardinals
Week 16: Dec. 27 vs. New England Patriots
Week 17: Jan. 3 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Week 18: Jan. 10 at Buffalo Bills
Strength of schedule: The Jets have the Twelfth-hardest schedule within the league (opponents had a .517 successful share in 2025).
DraftKings over/below win complete: 5.5
ESPN analyst Mike Clay’s projected win complete: 7.1
Biggest takeaway
It figures to be an emotional opener for Saleh, who was blindsided by his ouster and should still harbor sick will towards Jets’ possession, nevertheless it’s even greater for Jets coach Aaron Glenn. After a 3-14 final season, Glenn wants a optimistic begin to distance himself from a tough first yr. This is a really winnable recreation for Glenn. A loss to his predecessor would rile up an impatient fan base, which might freak out if it sees a triumphant Saleh chest-bumping Jermaine Johnson IIone among many ex-Jets on the Titans’ roster.
Circle these dates
It’s an NFC North gauntlet in Weeks 2 to 4 — Packers, Lions and Bears, three well-coached groups with formidable quarterbacks. Maybe the Jets catch a break in opposition to the Packers, who may be with out star move rusher Michael Parsons (knee surgical procedure). Maybe Glenn’s data of the Lions, his earlier crew, will show helpful. Maybe his data of Bears coach Ben Johnson, his previous Lions colleague, will assist. That’s a two-way road, although. Let’s face it, this might be a season-defining stretch for the Jets.
Bold prediction
The Jets’ historic interception drought — 17 straight video games with out a choose — will final till Week 5 in opposition to the Browns’ Deshaun Watson (or Shedeur Sanders). The first 4 quarterbacks on the schedule — Cam Ward, Jordan Love, Jared Goff and Caleb Williams — aren’t intercepting throwers. In truth, they ranked within the prime seven in lowest interception share in 2025.
Can Glenn survive the Twelfth-hardest schedule?
The Jets aren’t anticipated to make the playoffs, however they should present important progress in Glenn’s second season. There must be ample alternative to offer that over the primary half of the season, as they face 4 groups coming off dropping seasons which have new coaches — Titans, Browns, Dolphins and Raiders. Perhaps a confidence builder for a harder second half.