So, you're looking for the kickoff time. You’ve probably got the jersey ready, the snacks planned, and you're scouring the web to find out exactly what time do the new york jets play today.
Here is the blunt, unfiltered reality for Saturday, January 17, 2026: The New York Jets do not play today.
If you see a "Jets" game listed on your TV guide for 7:00 PM ET tonight, don't get confused. That’s the Winnipeg Jets taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs on the ice. It’s Hockey Day in Canada. As for the NFL’s Gang Green? Their season ended weeks ago.
Why the Jets Are Watching from the Couch
The 2025-2026 NFL regular season wrapped up on January 4, 2026. For New York, it was a rough ride. They finished with a 3-14 record, landing them at the bottom of the AFC East. When you win only three games, you don't get invited to the Divisional Round party happening this weekend.
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While the Jets are officially in "wait until next year" mode, the NFL playoffs are very much alive today. If you're just looking for some high-stakes football to fill the void, here is what the actual schedule looks like for the Divisional Round:
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This kicks off at 4:30 PM ET on CBS.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: The nightcap starts at 8:00 PM ET on FOX.
Breaking Down the 2025 Disaster
Honestly, fans expected more. With a new coaching staff led by Aaron Glenn, the hope was that the defense would at least keep them competitive. It didn't quite work out that way. They ended the season as the 31st-ranked scoring defense, giving up nearly 30 points a game.
You’ve got to feel for the fans who traveled to London back in October just to watch a dismal 13-11 loss to the Broncos. That game sort of set the tone for the rest of the year. The offense struggled to find any rhythm, finishing dead last in passing yards. It’s hard to win in today’s NFL when you can’t move the ball through the air.
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Looking Ahead to 2026
Since there is no game today, the focus shifts to the front office. The Jets hold a top-five pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The speculation is already rampant. Do they go for a franchise quarterback? Or do they try to bolster a defensive line that got bullied for 17 straight weeks?
According to the 2026 opponents list, the road doesn't get any easier. Next season, they’ll have to face the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers.
If you're still asking what time do the new york jets play today because you saw a headline or a social media post, it’s likely a replay or a mistake by an automated bot. The team is currently scattered—some players are likely on golf courses in Florida, while the front office is hunkered down in Florham Park looking at college tape.
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What You Should Do Instead
Since the New York Jets aren't taking the field, you have a few options to satisfy that football itch:
- Watch the Bills at 4:30 PM ET. They are the only New York-based team (well, technically) left in the hunt.
- Check the Draft Order. Spend your afternoon on a mock draft simulator. It’s basically the official hobby of Jets fans by mid-January anyway.
- Monitor the Coaching Carousel. With the season over, keep an eye on whether the Jets make further changes to their staff to fix that 29th-ranked offense.
The next time the New York Jets actually play a meaningful game will be in September 2026. Until then, keep the remote tuned to the playoffs if you want to see what winning football looks like.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the official NFL Draft order to see where the Jets landed after the Week 18 results. Then, head over to the Jets' official site to see the full list of 2026 home and away opponents to start planning your travel for next fall.