Jets 2023 NFL schedule takeaways: Easiest and toughest games
The full 2023 NFL schedule was released on Thursday.
Here is a look at how the Jets schedule shapes up:
Three toughest games
Week 1 vs. Bills
The Aaron Rodgers era starts off with a bang.
The kings of the AFC East come to MetLife Stadium on Sept. 11 to face the Jets on “Monday Night Football.”
This is going to be the most anticipated Jets opener since 2011, when the Jets played the Cowboys on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Aaron Rodgers and the Jets face the Bills to start their 2023 season. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
Week 4 vs. Chiefs
Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes have never played each other.
Hopefully both of them will be on the field for this one. It will be the first time the Jets are on “Sunday Night Football” since 2011.
The defending Super Bowl champions will be a huge test to see how improved the Jets are with Rodgers.
Week 6 vs. Eagles
Two weeks after facing the defending Super Bowl champions, the Jets will take on the team the Chiefs defeated in the Super Bowl.
The Eagles are 12-0 all time against the Jets, a quirky streak that Rodgers will try to end.
The Eagles had a strong draft coming off an NFC title and will be a tough team for everyone to beat.
Jalen Hurts, pictured during Super Bowl LVII, and the Eagles will be a difficult test for the Jets this season. Getty Images
Three easiest games
Week 13 vs. Falcons
The Jets have a tough stretch to start the season but things ease up in December.
The Falcons have worked to upgrade their defense this offseason but it still feels like they are a rebuilding team.
When you look at the Jets’ schedule, the Falcons are not a team that scares you.
Week 14 vs. Texans
A week after playing the Falcons, the Jets get the Texans.
Houston could have rookie C.J. Stroud starting at quarterback for them.
The Texans are a long way off from contending and the Jets should handle a young Houston team.
If they don’t, something went wrong for the Jets this season.
Week 16 vs. Commanders
Washington comes to MetLife Stadium on Christmas Eve.
Sam Howell is expected to be the Commanders quarterback this season, but who knows by this point of the season.
The Commanders could have a new owner by the time this game is being played and Ron Rivera may be fighting for his job.
The Jets hope they are fighting for a playoff berth.
Three notable games
Week 2 at Cowboys
The Jets travel to Dallas on a short week to face the always dangerous Cowboys.
Rodgers had his biggest win in this stadium when he quarterbacked the Packers to a Super Bowl title after the 2010 season.
Now, he makes his road debut for the Jets against Dak Prescott and Co.
We’ll know plenty about the 2023 Jets after their first two games.
Week 3 vs. Patriots
The Jets have not beaten their rivals since 2015.
They have lost 14 straight games to the Patriots with a variety of different quarterbacks.
Now, Rodgers gets his crack at ending Bill Belichick’s domination over the franchise.
It comes early in the season and the Jets may still be finding their way, but it finally feels like they have the upper hand in this rivalry.
The Jets haven’t defeated the Patriots since 2015. Charles Wenzelberg
Week 9 vs. Chargers
Justin Herbert carved up the Jets as a rookie in 2020.
Now, Herbert and the Chargers come to MetLife Stadium for a Monday night matchup with Rodgers and the Jets.
By this point in the season, the Jets should be used to playing together and should have an identity.
While the focus will be on the quarterback matchup, how Robert Saleh’s defense fares against Herbert could decide the game.
Where’s the bye?
The bye comes in Week 7, which feels a little early but not too bad.
The Jets will need a break after that opening slate of games that features both conference champions and three legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Overall takeaway
The schedule makers did not give the Jets an easy start.
They face eight teams who were in the playoffs last year in their first 11 games.
Games against the Bills, Chiefs and Eagles in the first six weeks will let us know where the Jets stand.
If Rodgers and the offense take time to find their rhythm, the Jets could be in a deep hole by midseason.
The good news for them is December features plenty of winnable games.
Source: New York Post
