If you are waking up on this chilly Friday, January 16, 2026, and frantically searching for what time is the jets game today, I have some news that might sting a little. You probably won't like it. Honestly, there is no New York Jets game today. Not at 1:00 PM, not at 4:00 PM, and definitely not in primetime.
The 2025-2026 NFL regular season wrapped up about two weeks ago, and for the Green and White, it was a rough ride. They finished with a 3-14 record. That means while other teams are gearing up for the Divisional Round of the playoffs this weekend, the Jets are already deep into "next year" mode. It is the reality of being a fan of this franchise sometimes.
Why There Is No New York Jets Game Today
The NFL schedule is a machine, but it only keeps running for the winners. Since the Jets didn't make the postseason, their season officially ended on January 4th with a 35-8 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
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If you were actually looking for the Winnipeg Jets, that's a different story. They play in the NHL, not the NFL. They just beat the Minnesota Wild 6-2 last night and have a huge game coming up against the Toronto Maple Leafs tomorrow, Saturday, January 17th, at 7:00 PM EST. But for the football team in East Rutherford? The lights at MetLife Stadium are off.
The playoffs are happening, though. Tomorrow starts the Divisional Round:
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- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: Saturday at 4:30 PM ET.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: Saturday at 8:00 PM ET.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Offseason
People think the team just vanishes once they are eliminated. Kinda the opposite. Right now, the Jets' front office is probably more stressed than they were in October. Because they finished with such a poor record, they hold the No. 2 and No. 16 overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
That No. 2 pick is the big one. Everyone is talking about the quarterback situation. With Oregon's Dante Moore deciding to stay in school, the scouts are pivotting. They are looking at Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and Alabama's Ty Simpson. Basically, if you are asking what time is the jets game today, the real "game" is happening in the film rooms and scouting meetings.
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The team also just signed a few guys to "reserve/future" contracts. Players like Bailey Zappe and Mac Dalena. These aren't household names yet, but they are the guys fighting for a roster spot in 2026.
Key Dates for Jets Fans to Watch
Since there isn't a game today, you should probably circle these dates on your calendar so you aren't left searching for kickoff times in the middle of January:
- NFL Scouting Combine: Late February. This is where we see if that No. 2 pick is worth the hype.
- Free Agency Begins: March 2026. The Jets have some cap space and a desperate need for offensive line help.
- 2026 NFL Draft: April. This is the "Super Bowl" for a team that went 3-14.
The 2026 Opponents Are Already Set
We don't know the exact times yet, but we do know who they are playing next fall. It is a tough slate. They’ve got the usual AFC East rivals—Bills, Dolphins, Patriots—but they also have to travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs. They play the Packers and Vikings at home.
It is a long wait until September. If you really need a football fix today, you are better off re-watching highlights of Breece Hall's 1,000-yard season. He was a bright spot in a dark year, and the team is currently trying to figure out if they should use the franchise tag on him.
Actionable Next Steps for Jets Fans
- Check the Winnipeg Jets Schedule: If you just want to see a team called the "Jets" play, tune in tomorrow night at 7:00 PM ET to see them take on Toronto.
- Track Draft Prospects: Start looking at scouting reports for Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson. One of them might be the face of the franchise by May.
- Review the 2026 Opponent List: Look at the home and away matchups for next season to start planning any road trips for the fall.
- Monitor Free Agency Rumors: Keep an eye on the offensive tackle market, as the Jets are expected to be aggressive spenders there.