The New York Jets are right around the corner from the start of the 2026 NFL season. The team has the playoffs in mind, but the first stop en route is a battle against the Tennessee Titans.
Could the Jets pull off the unlikely? It will take a 17-game slate to get there first and how could that unfold?
Here is Jets Wire's game-by-game prediction for the 2026 schedule:
Week 1: at Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m.
The Jets have a huge Robert Saleh storyline here. Let's give a win.
Record: 1-0.
Week 2: vs. Green Bay Packers, 1:00 p.m.
The Packers are in a tight NFC North and will pull one here.
Record: 1-1.
Week 3: at Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m.
Similar to the Packers, the Lions will prevail from the NFC North. Their offense clicks.
Record: 1-2.
Week 4: at Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m.
The Bears are such a curious case. But they found ways to win through turnovers last season.
Record: 1-3.
Week 5: vs. Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m.
The Jets and Browns will be viewed
as a lowly game. If the Jets mean it? This has to be a win.
Record: 2-3.
Week 6: at New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m.
Even if the Patriots are having a tough start to 2026, they'll need a win here.
Record: 2-4.
Week 7: vs. Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m.
The Dolphins are in a full rebuild. The Jets need to flex their own might.
Record: 3-4.
Week 8: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 1:00 p.m.
The Raiders are another rebuilding team. The Jets should take this one as well if they are looking to take a step forward.
Record: 4-4.
Week 9: at Kansas City Chiefs, 1:00 p.m.
While a .500 team... the Jets on the road against the Chiefs will be a difficult one.
Record: 4-5.
Week 10: vs. Buffalo Bills, 1:00 p.m.
The Bills will be motivated to attack the AFC East in 2026 after not winning the division last season.
Record: 4-6.
Week 11: at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m.
On the road and across the country is a tough task. It could be a close one, but the Bolts are the pick.
Record: 4-7.
Week 12: at Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m.
Again, motivation toward beating the Dolphins to prove something will be on the Jets' mind.
Record: 5-7.
Week 13: Bye week.
Record: 5-7.
Week 14: vs. Denver Broncos, 1:00 p.m.
This late in the season the Broncos will be keen on beating an AFC opponent, making this a tough loss.
Record: 5-8.
Week 15: at Arizona Cardinals, 1:00 p.m.
Another retooling side, the Cardinals are in No. 1 pick territory. Beating such teams will be key.
Record: 6-8.
Week 16: vs. New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m.
Similar to the Broncos.
Record: 6-9.
Week 17: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 p.m.
The Vikings could be a brand new team that gets it together by this point with quarterback Kyler Murray.
Record: 6-10.
Week 18: at Buffalo Bills, TBD.
If the Bills are locked into a position in the postseason, a late-season win heading into the offseason is on the table for the Jets
Record: 7-10.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets Wire game-by-game predictions for the 2026 NFL season
