If you’re staring at your calendar wondering when is the next New York Jets game, I’ve got some news that might sting a little.
The 2025 season is officially in the rearview mirror.
It ended on January 4, 2026, with a pretty rough 35-8 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Since the Jets finished the year with a 3-14 record—clinching their 10th straight losing season—there are no playoff games on the horizon. Honestly, it's a bit of a bummer, but that's the reality of the current "Gang Green" situation.
So, strictly speaking, the next time the Jets actually put on pads for a real game will be in August 2026 for the NFL preseason. We won't have the exact dates for those matchups until the NFL drops the official schedule, which usually happens in mid-May.
The wait is long but the schedule is set
Even though we don’t have the "when" just yet, we definitely know the "who" and the "where." The NFL uses a rotation formula, so the 2026 opponents were locked in the second the regular season wrapped up.
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Basically, the Jets are set to face the AFC West and the NFC North this year. That means some big-name quarterbacks and some historic stadiums are on the docket.
Here is the breakdown of who they'll be playing at MetLife Stadium and who they have to visit on the road:
Home Games at MetLife Stadium:
- Buffalo Bills (Divisional rival)
- Miami Dolphins (Divisional rival)
- New England Patriots (Divisional rival)
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Cleveland Browns
Away Games (The Road Trips):
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- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- New England Patriots
- Kansas City Chiefs (Yes, a trip to Arrowhead)
- Los Angeles Chargers (SoFi Stadium)
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Tennessee Titans
- Arizona Cardinals
Why the 2026 schedule matters more than usual
Look, after a 3-14 season, things have to change. You've probably heard the rumors about coaching shifts or front-office moves. The "next game" isn't just a date on a calendar; it's the start of yet another rebuilding phase.
One of the wildest things about the 2025 season was that the Jets only forced 4 turnovers all year. That is a historically bad stat. It's actually the lowest number of takeaways by any NFL team since the AFL-NFL merger. To put that in perspective, the previous record for futility was 7.
When the Jets take the field in late summer 2026, the defense has to look completely different.
Key dates to watch before kickoff
Since the next game is months away, you've got to follow the "offseason games." These are the dates that actually determine if the team will be any good when September rolls around.
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- The NFL Scouting Combine (February 23 – March 2, 2026): This is in Indianapolis. Since the Jets have a high draft pick, this is where they’ll scout the next potential franchise savior.
- Free Agency Starts (March 11, 2026): The new league year begins at 4:00 p.m. ET. This is when the Jets can start spending money to fix that offensive line or find some pass rushers.
- The 2026 NFL Draft (April 23–25, 2026): Held in Pittsburgh this year. Expect the Jets to be picking very early in the first round.
- Schedule Release (Mid-May 2026): This is the "big reveal." We will finally get the specific dates, times, and whether the Jets get any prime-time slots (though after last year, don't hold your breath for many Monday night appearances).
Is there any hope?
Kinda.
The Jets will be facing six teams that made the playoffs last year, including the Bills and Patriots twice each. It's not an "easy" schedule by any stretch. However, they also get games against teams like the Titans and Cardinals, who struggled just as much in 2025.
If you're planning a trip to see a game, the road schedule is actually pretty enticing. A trip to Las Vegas or a weekend in Los Angeles to see them play the Chargers at SoFi Stadium sounds a lot better than a cold December afternoon at MetLife, doesn't it?
Actionable steps for Jets fans
While you're waiting for the 2026 kickoff, here is what you can actually do:
- Check the Ticket Vouchers: If you're a season ticket holder, keep an eye on your email in March. That's usually when renewal notices and "early bird" perks for the 2026 season go out.
- Track the Draft Order: Follow the compensatory pick announcements in early March. The Jets often stockpile late-round picks which are crucial for depth.
- Monitor the Coaching Search: Given the 3-14 finish, the most important "game" right now is the one happening in the owner's office. Whoever they hire to lead the team in 2026 will dictate the entire vibe of the next season.
- Plan Your Travel: If you want to see the Jets in London or another international spot, keep an eye on the schedule release in May. The NFL usually announces the international games a few days before the full schedule drops.
The wait for the next New York Jets game is going to be long. It’s a seven-month stretch of speculation, draft boards, and hoping for a miracle. But the opponents are set, the off-season clock is ticking, and the road to 2026 has officially begun.