2026 Jets season preview: Game-by-game predictions, final record

For a Jets team desperate to wrench itself out of the abyss, the schedule-makers might have thrown them a bone. According to Sharp Analytics, Gang Green has the fourth-easiest strength of schedule in the NFL this season. That still does not mean their slate is devoid of juggernauts, because there are a few of those, too. Let's take a look at how this year might shake out for Aaron Glenn's men: 2026 Jets schedule, predictions Week 1: @ Titans (Sept. 13, 1 p.m. ET) This feels like a must-win for Glenn to suggest that the Jets are ready to move in the right direction. The Titans, led by ex-Jets head coach Robert Saleh, are young and rebuilding behind second-year quarterback Cam Ward and rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate. Result: Win (1-0) Week 2: vs. Packers (Sept. 20, 1 p.m.) Even without All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons, the Packers should not have much trouble getting past the Jets. Green Bay's collapse last season should renew its fight to get back into the playoffs in 2026. Result: Loss (1-1) Week 3: @ Lions (Sept. 27, 1 p.m.) Two years ago, the Lions were the best team in the NFC, much in part to Glenn's contributions to their defense. Now, facing his old team for the first time since his move to New York, Glenn's Jets should be handled easily by Detroit in the Motor City. Result: Loss (1-2) Week 4: @ Bears (Oct. 4, 1 p.m.) The days of the Bears being a reprieve on any team's schedule is long gone. Caleb Williams is a star, and Ben Johnson has Chicago's offense looking like an absolute force — one the Jets won't be able to keep up with. Result: Loss (1-3) Week 5: vs. Browns (Oct. 11, 1 p.m.) After a ridiculous three-game run against the NFC North, the schedule finally slows up with the lowly Browns in town. Just like the Jets, Cleveland's quarterback situation is uninspiring, and their defense is still solid despite losing Myles Garrett. This is a toss-up, but the recent schedule should ensure the Jets have more of an edge. Result: Win (2-3) Week 6: @ Patriots (Oct. 18, 1 p.m.) The Jets usually don't play well against the Patriots, and results won't change even if the defending AFC champions are not expected to repeat in 2026. Result: Loss (2-4) Week 7: vs. Dolphins (Oct. 25, 1 p.m.) The Dolphins are a bigger mess than the Jets, which is a saving grace to ensure that last place does not belong to New York. Another game that simply has to be won. Result: Win (3-4) Week 8: vs. Raiders (Nov. 1, 1 p.m.) This game is going to have some charge in it. The Jets wanted to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza, but the Raiders — the only team worse than New York last season — got him instead. Geno Smith faces off against his old team, keen on proving that he still can sling it. Regardless, the Raiders are still not a good football team, and the Jets remarkably get to .500 midway through the season. Result: Win (4-4) Week 9: @ Chiefs (Nov. 8, 1 p.m.) Hopefully the Jets enjoy that week at .500, because they won't get back to it for the rest of the season. The Chiefs are still the Chiefs as long as Patrick Mahomes is healthy. Result: Loss (4-5) Week 10: vs. Bills (Nov. 15, 1 p.m.) Is this the year the Bills finally get to a Super Bowl? We've been asking this question for what feels like half a decade now. The Jets have not beaten Josh Allen and Co. since 2023. Result: Loss (4-6) Week 11: @ Chargers (Nov. 22, 4:05 p.m.) Justin Herbert should be in the MVP conversation, but the interior of the Chargers' offensive line is a large enough concern that the Jets' defense could provide some issues. Still, LA is in a completely different class than NY. Result: Loss (4-7) Week 12: @ Dolphins (Nov. 29, 1 p.m.) A rare win during the toughest stretch of the schedule, the Dolphins could very well win one or two games all season. None of them should come against the Jets. Result: Win (5-7) Week 14: vs. Broncos (Dec. 13, 1 p.m.) With one of the top defenses in the league, the Broncos should be in the Super Bowl conversation this season, even if the Jets gave Bo Nix fits last season in a slim 10-9 loss. This could be a close one again, but I don't see Denver losing. Result: Loss (5-8) Week 15: @ Cardinals (Dec. 20, 4:05 p.m.) The Cardinals are rebuilding, and their quarterback situation is worse than the Jets'. Put this down as their last win of the season. Result: Win (6-8) Week 16: vs. Patriots (Dec. 27, 1 p.m.) The gulf in class between the top two teams in the AFC East and the bottom two is significant, and the Jets are not in the top two. Result: Loss (6-9) Week 17: vs. Vikings (Jan. 3, 1 p.m.) Kyler Murray gets the chance to do what JJ McCarthy couldn't: Get the Vikings back to the team that went 14-3 in 2024 with Sam Darnold at the helm. The core of that team still exists, and they'll be in the playoff conversation. Result: Loss (6-10) Week 18: @ Bills (Jan. 10, TBD) The Bills might be resting their starters if the division is wrapped up on the final day of the season. Still, it feels like Buffalo's B-team could give the Jets' A-squad a run for its money. Result: Loss (6-11) For more on the Jets, visit AMNY.com