Predicting each game on the New York Jets' schedule for the 2026 NFL season.
The New York Jets are coming into the new NFL season with the expectation that it will be more of a rebuilding year. New York hasn't made the playoffs since the 2010 season, which is the longest drought in North America among sports franchises.
But the Jets believe that they can turn things around this season, even if that belief is only coming from the locker room. New York has a collection of talented players on the roster, giving them a chance to be more competitive this season.
Here is a game-by-game prediction for the Jets 2026 season:
Week 1: at Titans, Win
New York gets the season started on a high note, grabbing a big road victory.
Geno Smith rises to the occasion, throwing for three touchdowns in the win.
Week 2: vs Packers, Loss
After the season opening win, the Jets come back down to earth. Green Bay handles New York, giving them their first loss of the season.
Week 3: at Lions, Loss
Similar to how the Packers game went, the Lions don't have too much trouble from the Jets. Give me Detroit to take the win.
Week 4: at Bears, Loss
The Jets continue the streak of losses, going 1-3 to open the year.
Caleb Williams puts on a show, dominating the Jets defense for 350 yards through the air.
Week 5: vs Browns, Win
After three straight losses, the Jets bounce back, grabbing a win over Cleveland. This sets up a fun matchup with the Patriots, with New York sitting at 2-3 for the year.
Week 6: at Patriots, Loss
The Jets will keep this game close until late in the third quarter. But a timely fumble changes everything for New York.
New England runs away with this game late, putting another loss onto the Jets record.
Week 7: vs Dolphins, Win
The Jets find a way to win this game, picking up their third win of the year.
Geno Smith plays well for New York, throwing 4 touchdown passes.
Week 8: vs Raiders, Win
The Raiders should be a little better than last season, with Kirk Cousins under center. However, New York's defense does just enough to slow down the Raiders' attack.
The Jets pick up their second win in a row, heading into a brutal part of the schedule.
Week 9: at Chiefs, Loss
Playing at Arrowhead will be tough, and the Jets don't have the weapons to keep up with the Chiefs. Kansas City wins this game by 20 points, ending the Jets' win streak.
Week 10: vs Bills, Loss
New York holds a slim lead late in the fourth quarter, but the Bills overcome the deficit to win. Buffalo earns a three-point victory here.
The Jets drop another game in heartbreaking fashion.
Week 11: at Chargers, Loss
The Chargers should make quick work of the Jets here, with quarterback Justin Herbert throwing for over 400 yards in the game. New York isn't able to stop the Los Angeles offense, seeing them drop another game.
Week 12: at Dolphins, Loss
Playing in Miami is never easy due to the humidity, but the Jets put up a good fight. However, Smith throws a late interception, helping to set up the Dolphins win.
The Jets drop their fourth straight game here on a walk-off field goal from Miami.
Week 13: Bye Week
Week 14: vs Broncos, Loss
Coming off the bye, the Jets get the Broncos at home. The Denver defense likely will cause problems for Smith, and he will throw multiple interceptions in this contest.
The Broncos cruise in this one.
Week 15: at Cardinals, Win
This game could determine seeding for the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. With both he Cardinals and Jets not expected to do much this year.
But New York has a little better playmakers, giving them the win in this one.
Week 16: vs Patriots, Loss
The Jets don't have much to play for in this game, but they could attempt be play spoiler for their rival. However, New England takes this game by 15 or more, sweeping the season series.
Week 17: vs Vikings, Loss
The Jets will make this a battle, keeping the game close until late in the third quarter. Minnesota then pulls away, sending the fans home empty.
Week 18: at Bills, Loss
The Bills could be resting players in this game, or they could be trying for playoff seeding. But either way, they will take down New York, sending the Jets home on another loss.
Final Prediction: 5-12, miss the playoffs
