NFL schedule makers made the Jets very few favors to start the season – three games in 11 days. It’s a brutal effort, but if New York plans to reach the Super Bowl, it will be just the first of many obstacles along the way.
Obviously, there’s a lot to come before the Jets board a flight to San Francisco to open the season on Monday Night Football. We still have no idea what the lineup will look like. Still, a little timeline prediction is always fun.
So here’s a first attempt at predicting how things will play out for the Jets in 2024.
Week 1, at 49ers: LOSS
This is a brutal way to start the season. In fact, it’s a double bummer because you’d love to see this matchup, which could be repeated in February, a little later in the season, after both men knock off the rust.
It’s hard to see the Jets traveling to San Francisco and beating the 49ers with so many new pieces on offense (three new offensive linemen, new receivers) and Rodgers having missed all but four snaps last year. I believe the Jets match up well with San Francisco, but not this early in the year.
Week 2, on Titans: WIN
We’ll see what Will Levis It’s this year, but I have my doubts. That Tennessee team, now gone Mike Vrabel, Ryan Tannehill It is Derrick Henrique, may be among the worst in the NFL. The Jets shouldn’t have a problem with this one.
Week 3, vs Patriots: WIN
It actually surprised me that the Patriots didn’t accept the package the Giants offered them to buy Drake Maye. They are much more than a quarterback away from contention. I thought they would get those assets back, fill out the roster a little more, and then look for the franchise sign in 2026 or 2027.
Unfortunately, they didn’t. You haven’t been able to say this over the last two decades, but the Patriots aren’t in the same class as the Jets (or Bills or Dolphins, for that matter). This could be the blowout Jets fans have been waiting for.
Week 4, vs Broncos: VICTORY
The return of John Franklin-Myers. The Jets didn’t want to trade him. They simply didn’t have the money to maintain it. The sad thing for Franklin-Myers is that he left a team believing it is capable of making the playoffs, to one that is still in the early stages of a rebuild.
Week 5, at Vikings (London): LOSS
The Jets could see Sam Darnold for the second time? They previously faced him with the Panthers in Zach Wilsondebut. I’m very interested in seeing Darnold, assuming he beats the rookie JJ McCarthy, in that offense. I’m giving the Jets a loss here not because the Vikings are immensely better, but it does make it feel like a throwback game for the Bills next week.
Week 6, vs Accounts: WIN
Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich just seems to have Josh Allennumber. There’s something about their defense that gives you fits. The Jets will be ready for this one – wanting to show they are the new leaders of the AFC East.
Week 7, at Steelers: LOSS
I don’t think the Steelers are a better team than the Jets. This is just one example of disappointment after the excitement of beating the Bills. Pittsburgh is also a tough place to play. At this point, the Jets will likely face Justin Fields as well, whose running ability could cause problems on an aggressive defense.
Week 8, at Patriots: WIN
The Patriots might be the worst team in the NFL. In East Rutherford or New England, it shouldn’t matter – the Jets will win this game handily.
Week 9, vs Texans: LOSS
The Jets beat the Texans and the rookie phenom CJ Stroud last year, but Stroud was without virtually his entire receiving corps. That shouldn’t be the case this time, and Houston added Stefon Diggs through trade. This is a tough game against a top team on the rise.
Week 10, at Cardinals: WIN
It was a little surprising that the Cardinals completely ruled out drafting a quarterback this year. They are clearly comfortable with backtracking with Kyler Murray. I’m not sure if this is the right decision. Traveling to the west coast isn’t always the easiest, but this game shouldn’t be too difficult for the Jets.
Week 11, vs Colts: WIN
I’m fascinated to see Anthony Richardson this year. He has a lot of physical talent and is in a great situation…as long as he can stay healthy. The fact that he fell so often early in his rookie year was alarming.
Week 12: Bye
Week 13, vs Seahawks: WIN
The Seahawks are a fascinating team heading into this season. For the first time since 2009, they will be led by someone other than Pete Carrol. This game could be a game I would flip if it was played in Seattle. Instead, the Jets take care of business at MetLife.
Week 14, at Dolphins: LOSS
Hard Rock Stadium has been a House of Horrors for the Jets in recent years. They just can’t find a way to consistently play well in Miami. The Dolphins look to be a very good team next season. They beat the Jets in this one.
Week 15, at Jaguars: LOSS
This is a crucial year for Trevor Lawrence. He appeared to be on the verge of stardom after the 2023 season, but struggled throughout 2024. I think you’ll see a big rebound from Lawrence and the Jaguars this year. They are better than some people think.
Week 16, vs Rams: WIN
The Rams avoided a complete rebuild when some thought that was what they needed. The fact that they made the playoffs 10-7, narrowly losing to the Lions, was extremely impressive. This could be their crash landing, however. There are legitimate gaps in this list and Matt Stafford he turned 36 in February. How much longer can he do this?
Week 17, at Bills, LOSS
It’s hard to see the Jets beating the Bills. Buffalo is also a very difficult place to play this late in the season. Maybe Rodgers’ cold-weather roots in Green Bay will help him here? I’m not sure that will happen.
Week 18, vs Dolphins, WIN
A big comeback win for the Jets in this game sends them into the playoffs. The Dolphins are not a very good cold weather team and it is difficult to play at MetLife this late in the season.
