Last year was supposed to be the year for the New York Jets, but as the old saying goes, the best-laid plans often go awry.
After entering 2023 with Super Bowl aspirations, the wheels began to fall off for the Jets four plays into the season when star quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles. A rollercoaster year followed, and New York finished with a 7-10 record to miss the playoffs for the 13th straight season, the longest active streak in all four major North American sports.
Once again, the Jets are entering the upcoming season with renewed hope. That said, here's a look at the franchise's 2024 schedule.
2024 New York Jets Schedule
New York Jets @nyjetsThis guy almost dumped it on <a href="">@AreYouKiddingTV</a> for our 2024 Schedule Release Challenge <a href="">#ad</a> <a href="">
New York Jets @nyjetsYour OFFICIAL 2024 New York Jets schedule. <a href="">
The Jets have faced tough schedules in recent years, but all in all, things could be a lot worse.
New York is tied for the 12th-hardest strength of schedule based on its opponents' winning percentage from last year. The Jets will be facing six playoff teams, the same amount they faced in 2023. Thanks to their third-place finish in the AFC East, they will be facing the third-place finishers from the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and NFC North, Rodgers' old rival Minnesota Vikings.
The most important thing on the agenda for general manager Joe Douglas this offseason was to fortify New York's offensive line. After all, having a four-time MVP quarterback returning from a season-ending injury at 40 years old won't bode well if he can't stay upright.
Douglas accomplished his mission, signing former Dallas Cowboys stalwart left tackle Tyron Smith and acquiring veteran right tackle Morgan Moses from the Baltimore Ravens. Former Ravens left guard John Simpson was also signed, giving the Jets three new starters on the offensive line. With the 11th pick in the 2024 draft, the team added some insurance by selecting Penn State left tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu, who will be a backup as a rookie and learn from Smith and Moses before taking over as the franchise cornerstone.
The Jets also took a gamble on signing former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, who is coming off a torn ACL. If he can stay healthy, he will provide New York with a much-needed No. 2 option behind star receiver Garrett Wilson.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Jets made a splash by acquiring Philadelphia Eagles star edge rusher Haason Reddick. Adding him to a defensive line that already includes Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson gives New York one of the best pass-rushing units in the league.
If the Jets can stay healthy, they will have a strong opportunity to contend for a playoff spot in the competitive AFC.
Pivotal Matchups
If the Jets want a trip to the postseason, they will have to be successful in the AFC East. While the New England Patriots are in transition after the departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick, the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins remain two of the most talented teams in the entire AFC.
New York hasn't finished with an overall record or a division record of .500 or better since 2015. The 2024 season presents what might be the team's best chance to buck that trend. In addition to the Patriots losing their luster, the Bills also face some questions after losing multiple key players. Buffalo's biggest loss was star receiver Stefon Diggs, who was traded to the Houston Texans.
The Dolphins kept their No. 1 offense intact, for the most part. While quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has yet to receive the contract extension he desires, he remains the face of the league's most dangerous passing attack along with star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. It will be imperative for the Jets to string together some victories against division opponents as they navigate the 2024 campaign.
As for the aforementioned Texans, they will be back at MetLife once again this year, and they will be seeking revenge following their 30-6 drubbing in Week 13 of last season. Houston had arguably the best offseason of any team thanks to the acquisitions of Diggs, running back Joe Mixon and defensive end Danielle Hunter. The quarterback duel between Rodgers and Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud will be a generational battle sure to excite fans.
The Jets will also be facing the entire NFC West, which presents a matchup against the reigning conference champion San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Robert Saleh made a name for himself as 49ers defensive coordinator under Kyle Shanahan, and this will be his first time going up against his mentor.
It will not be easy, but the Jets have the tools to compete against the elite teams in the NFL if they can stay healthy and sustain more stability than they have in recent years.
