{"id":883614,"date":"2026-05-06T02:24:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T02:24:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/883614\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T02:24:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T02:24:17","slug":"is-the-new-york-jets-2026-schedule-as-easy-as-sos-suggests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/883614\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the New York Jets’ 2026 schedule as easy as SOS suggests?"},"content":{"rendered":"

While the specifics of the 2026 NFL schedule remain unknown, the New York Jets\u2019 opponents<\/a> are clear, and the strength of those opponents \u2014 at least based on last season\u2019s record \u2014 is also understood.<\/p>\n

According to Warren Sharp of\u00a0Sharp Football<\/a>, the Jets have the fifth-easiest strength of schedule this season, trailing only the Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns.<\/p>\n

NEW: NFL strength of schedule for 2026!<\/p>\n

5 easiest schedules:<\/p>\n

1\ufe0f\u20e3 Lions
2\ufe0f\u20e3 Saints
3\ufe0f\u20e3 Bengals
4\ufe0f\u20e3 Browns
5\ufe0f\u20e3 Jets<\/p>\n

5 hardest schedules:<\/p>\n

2\ufe0f\u20e38\ufe0f\u20e3 Rams
2\ufe0f\u20e39\ufe0f\u20e3 Cowboys
3\ufe0f\u20e30\ufe0f\u20e3 Panthers
3\ufe0f\u20e31\ufe0f\u20e3 Dolphins
3\ufe0f\u20e32\ufe0f\u20e3 Cardinals<\/p>\n

1-32 with insight & analysis:https:\/\/t.co\/iS1PFqfcxx<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The Jets\u2019 opponents<\/p>\n

Here is a look at the Jets\u2019 opponents for the 2026 season:<\/p>\n

vs. Buffalo Bills (10.5 projected wins)<\/p>\n

vs. Miami Dolphins (4.5)<\/p>\n

vs. New England Patriots (9.5)<\/p>\n

vs. Denver Broncos (9.5)<\/p>\n

vs. Las Vegas Raiders (5.5)<\/p>\n

vs. Green Bay Packers (10.5)<\/p>\n

vs. Minnesota Vikings (8.5)<\/p>\n

vs. Cleveland Browns (6.5)<\/p>\n

at Buffalo Bills (10.5)<\/p>\n

at Miami Dolphins (4.5)<\/p>\n

at New England Patriots (9.5)<\/p>\n

at Kansas City Chiefs (10.5)<\/p>\n

at Los Angeles Chargers (10.5)<\/p>\n

at Chicago Bears (9.5)<\/p>\n

at Detroit Lions (10.5)<\/p>\n

at Tennessee Titans (6.5)<\/p>\n

at Arizona Cardinals (4.5)<\/p>\n

On paper, this is a much easier schedule than last year\u2019s, when the team ranked 16th. As Jets fans know firsthand, though, a lot more impacts a team\u2019s record than strength of schedule. For Gang Green, the one thing they have lacked for 15 years, which has been a deciding factor, is competent quarterback play.<\/p>\n

Much of the team\u2019s success this season will hinge on Geno Smith and whether he can bounce back<\/a> after a rough season in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

There is also the coaching element. Aaron Glenn is returning for year two as the team\u2019s head coach after an atrocious year one, where New York went 3-14. He will call the Jets\u2019 defensive plays this season, which should be an upgrade over Steve Wilks\u2019 last season.<\/p>\n

While the strength of the schedule is important, many factors will go into the success or lack thereof of the New York Jets\u2019 2026 season.<\/p>\n

Aside from those outside elements, though, is the Jets\u2019 schedule as easy as SOS paints it to be?<\/p>\n

How easy is the Jets\u2019 schedule?<\/p>\n

When looking at the teams\u2019 opponents, it is pretty straightforward. They are playing in a division where two teams are expected to have winning records: the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills.<\/p>\n

Beyond that, the Miami Dolphins are expected to be the worst team in the AFC East. Division games are everything. If the Jets can split with New England and Buffalo while sweeping Miami, that would be a massive win.<\/p>\n

Facing the NFC North, including the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers, will be a difficult test for the Jets. All four organizations are capable of winning double-digit games this season and are well-coached.<\/p>\n

The Jets also play the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs on the road, both of whom are projected to win over 10 games this year.<\/p>\n

While the strength of schedule suggests the Jets have one of the NFL\u2019s easiest slates this season, it\u2019s fair to argue otherwise. Already playing in a difficult division, Gang Green has a flurry of matchups against teams that could be among the best in the league.<\/p>\n