New York Jets schedule: Games, dates, TV channels, predictions for 2026 season

The New York Jets are ready to unveil a new flight plan.

A yearly tradition, the NFL schedule release has arrived in what is typically the most optimistic stretch of the Jets offseason. Things are good for Gang Green right now, headlined by a 2026 NFL Draft drawing rave reviews from fans and an offseason that has plenty starting to believe.

It all began with the trade for Geno Smith, reuniting the quarterback with the team that drafted him in 2013 and it has only gone up from there.

There was the reunion with Demario Davis, the Breece Hall contract extension, three first-round picks in the draft and a lot more. For now, fans seem to be excited about the future, especially with three more picks looming in the opening round of the 2027 NFL Draft.

In the meantime, the Jets continue to build towards ending the league's longest playoff drought. An unwatchable team in 2025, New York is positioned to move away from that in 2026 – for better or worse.

Time will tell if that flight plan takes them to the promised land, but the Jets are tied for first in the AFC East at the schedule release and that means something for this cellar dweller.

Here's what to know about the Jets schedule in 2026, including dates, times and matchups.

New York Jets schedule 2026

This section will be updated when the NFL schedule is released on May 14 (all times Eastern):

• Week 1 (Sept. 13): at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m., CBS
• Week 2 (Sept. 20): vs. Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m., Fox
• Week 3 (Sept. 27): at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m., Fox
• Week 4 (Oct. 4): at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m., Fox
• Week 5 (Oct. 11): vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m., CBS
• Week 6 (Oct. 18): at New England Patriots, 1 p.m., CBS
• Week 7 (Oct. 25): vs. Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m., CBS
• Week 8 (Nov. 1): vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 1 p.m., Fox
• Week 9 (Nov. 8): at Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m., CBS
• Week 10 (Nov. 15): vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m., CBS
• Week 11 (Nov. 22): at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m., Fox
• Week 12 (Nov. 29): at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m., CBS
• Week 13: BYE
• Week 14 (Dec. 13): vs. Denver Broncos, 1 p.m., CBS
• Week 15 (Dec. 20): at Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m., Fox
• Week 16 (Dec. 27): vs. New England Patriots, 1 p.m., CBS
• Week 17 (Jan. 3): vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m., CBS
• Week 18: at Buffalo Bills

Jets record prediction 2026

Record prediction: 6-11

On paper, the Jets come into the year with the fifth-easiest schedule in the league, according to Sharp Football Analysis. In reality, this is still a team that won three games a season ago and it would be crazy to expect a miracle turnaround from Aaron Glenn's group.

This is all about moving in the right direction to select a potential franchise quarterback that changes the game in 2027. For now, New York will try to develop a solid group of young talent and lean on the veterans to get them there. At that point, you could make the case that the Jets are among the best landing spots for any rookie signal caller in the upcoming draft.

The Jets can pick up some wins against the bottom feeders of the league like the Dolphins, Browns, Raiders, Cardinals and Titans, but they are outmatched against better competition. If things go better than expected, there's a chance this team pushes for a playoff spot later in the season with a sneaky talented roster. Of course, it all depends on health and what they get from Smith.

History says to not expect much, but the Jets aren't trying to win a Super Bowl in 2026. They are simply trying to win back some respect and this team is more than capable of that.

Jets home opponents 2026

• Buffalo Bills
• Miami Dolphins
• New England Patriots
• Cleveland Browns
• Denver Broncos
• Green Bay Packers
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Minnesota Vikings

Jets away opponents 2026

• Buffalo Bills
• Miami Dolphins
• New England Patriots
• Arizona Cardinals
• Chicago Bears
• Detroit Lions
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Tennessee Titans

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