After ACC and others throw support behind 24-team CFP, the ball is now in the SEC's court
The ACC and others back a 24-team CFP, awaiting SEC's decision.
The NFL will reveal the 2026 schedule on Thursday, with the Jets facing the 12th-hardest strength of schedule based on opponents' 2025 records. Despite their poor 3-14 record, they have the easiest schedule in the AFC East.
The NFL will release the complete 2026 schedule on Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. The New York Jets have known their opponents since the conclusion of the 2025 season, but the Week 1-18 order will be totally unveiled in typical primetime fashion.
The Jets have the 12th-hardest strength of schedule, based solely on their opponents' 2025 records. That is rather unfortunate considering the Jets had an NFL-worst 3-14 record. If there's a saving grace, it's that the Jets actually have the easiest .SOS in the AFC East division.
The Miami Dolphins have the second-hardest schedule (.542) according to the metrics. That's a rough break for a roster that's even earlier in its rebuild than the Jets are. The Dolphins are viewed as early favorites (and contenders with the Jets) for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL draft.
The New England Patriots have the sixth-hardest .SOS (.531). The defending AFC Champions face an uphill battle after overachieving last season. The constant tabloid-like headlines generated by head coach Mike Vrabel hasn't helped their offseason focus.
And finally, the Buffalo Bills have the eighth-most difficult schedule (.528). Josh Allen and the Bills are anxious to reclaim their division title after losing ground to the Patriots in 2025. They'll have to navigate a difficult schedule if they're successfully able to do so.
The New York Jets have the 12th-hardest strength of schedule for the 2026 NFL season based on their opponents' 2025 records.
The Jets have the easiest strength of schedule in the AFC East, while the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots have the second and sixth hardest schedules, respectively.
The complete 2026 NFL schedule will be released on Thursday at 8 p.m. EST.
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Some of the difficult opponents on the Jets' 2026 schedule (based on 2025 success) include the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions. You could argue the Packers and Lions underachieved and should be better in 2026. There's also the Kansas City Chiefs, who everyone expects to bounce back this year.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: How easy is the Jets' 2026 NFL schedule compared to the AFC East?