We only have to wait two more days until the NFL releases its full 2026 regular season schedule (Thursday, May 14, 8 p.m. EST). In the meantime, the league has done an impressive job of sprinkling breadcrumbs on social media to ignite suspense.

On Monday, it was announced that the New York Giants will host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 at MetLife Stadium, serving as the league’s first Sunday Night Football matchup of the 2026 season. This news all but ensures that the New York Jets will open their schedule on the road.

That left the Jets with nine potential opponents in Week 1. Since the Giants-Cowboys announcement, though, two of those have been ruled out.

The Kansas City Chiefs, who will host the Jets at some point this year, will be facing the Denver Broncos in Week 1. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills will open their season on the road, as it has been confirmed that their home opener will be in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions.

The Jets are left with seven potential road opponents in Week 1:

  • Miami Dolphins
  • New England Patriots
  • Los Angeles Chargers
  • Chicago Bears
  • Detroit Lions
  • Tennessee Titans
  • Arizona Cardinals

From a storyline standpoint, the Tennessee Titans seem like the most appealing choice for the NFL’s schedule-makers. It will mark the head coaching return of Robert Saleh, who coached the Jets from 2021-24. Saleh brought a plethora of former Jets players to Nashville, including Jermaine Johnson, John Franklin-Myers, Tony Adams, and Solomon Thomas.

Aaron Glenn’s return to Detroit could also be interesting.

Another interesting route for the league could be to pit the Jets against either the Dolphins or Cardinals to ensure that someone starts 1-0 among the bottom three teams in Super Bowl odds, helping to keep an extra fanbase invested for a little while longer.

On that note, Jets-Dolphins would have some fun storylines.

Minkah Fitzpatrick would return to face his two-time former team, while Geno Smith would return to his native South Florida, where he enjoyed immense success in his first stint with the Jets. Smith went 2-0 at Hard Rock Stadium, completing 37 of 52 passes (71.2%) for 548 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, while taking just one sack and adding a rushing touchdown.

Who do you think the Jets will open up against, Jets fans?