While the specifics of the 2026 NFL schedule remain unknown, the New York Jets’ opponents are clear, and the strength of those opponents — at least based on last season’s record — is also understood.

According to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football, the Jets have the fifth-easiest strength of schedule this season, trailing only the Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns.

The Jets’ opponents

Here is a look at the Jets’ opponents for the 2026 season:

  • vs. Buffalo Bills (10.5 projected wins)
  • vs. Miami Dolphins (4.5)
  • vs. New England Patriots (9.5)
  • vs. Denver Broncos (9.5)
  • vs. Las Vegas Raiders (5.5)
  • vs. Green Bay Packers (10.5)
  • vs. Minnesota Vikings (8.5)
  • vs. Cleveland Browns (6.5)
  • at Buffalo Bills (10.5)
  • at Miami Dolphins (4.5)
  • at New England Patriots (9.5)
  • at Kansas City Chiefs (10.5)
  • at Los Angeles Chargers (10.5)
  • at Chicago Bears (9.5)
  • at Detroit Lions (10.5)
  • at Tennessee Titans (6.5)
  • at Arizona Cardinals (4.5)

On paper, this is a much easier schedule than last year’s, when the team ranked 16th. As Jets fans know firsthand, though, a lot more impacts a team’s 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.

Much of the team’s success this season will hinge on Geno Smith and whether he can bounce back after a rough season in Las Vegas.

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

While the strength of the schedule is important, many factors will go into the success or lack thereof of the New York Jets’ 2026 season.

Aside from those outside elements, though, is the Jets’ schedule as easy as SOS paints it to be?

How easy is the Jets’ schedule?

When looking at the teams’ 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.

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.

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.

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.

While the strength of schedule suggests the Jets have one of the NFL’s easiest slates this season, it’s 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.