The New York Jets are just a matter of weeks from kicking off their season when they enter a grudge match against the Buffalo Bills on September 11. They had an underwhelming season in 2022, though there were some highlights from a player standpoint. They became just the third team to boast players to win both the offensive and defensive rookie of the year awards with Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner winning in their respective fields. Robert Saleh's team finished with a 7-10 record, placing them last in the AFC East and missing out on the playoffs.
However, there is an air of excitement around the upcoming season especially with some of the incoming players during the offseason. Of course, the star signing comes in the form of Super Bowl winner and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. After spending the entirety of his career with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers made an emotional exit and in April it was confirmed that he would be playing his homes games at MetLife Stadium.
On top of that, Rodgers' former Packers receiver Allen Lazard will reconnect with him in New York. Finally, in last few days we saw the signing of star running back Dalvin Cook. You can back them to reach the playoffs, by betting for the games in the NFL at Christmas.
With so much seemingly going right for the Jets so far, there is plenty of reason to be excited to see them play in 2023. Let’s take a look at the most exciting games in the schedule.
September 11 – Buffalo Bills
There is no better way to start the season than with a rivalry and the NFL has been kind to fans of the Jets and the Bills. Both teams’ opening game will be contested against their fierce rivals and the Jets have every reason to believe they are in with a shot at winning. They got the better of Buffalo when they faced off at the backend of last season and with a host of new and exciting faces, the Jets are coming in with a point to prove. The Bills are one of the Super Bowl favorites this year and if Robert Saleh could start off 2023 with a win against the Bills, it would provide an incredible boost to the team and the fans.
September 24 – New England Patriots
The Jets face their biggest rivals later on in September, however. They were haunted by the Pats for much of Tom Brady's tenure in New England and are yet to beat them this decade. However, it is time for them to get even with this new and improved roster and the fierceness in this rivalry is going to be box office viewing for both fans and neutrals.
October 2 – Kansas City Chiefs
Undoubtedly, the toughest test for the Jets during the regular season will come when they face off against the Super Bowl champs in October. They welcome Patrick Mahomes and Co. to MetLife stadium in Week 4. This will be the first time that Rodgers and Mahomes have faced off in the league, adding an extra layer of intrigue. This is yet another game that will show if the Jets have championship pedigree this season and the excitement will be palpable.
October 15 – Philadelphia Eagles
Hot on the heels of the Chiefs game, the Jets will be welcoming last year's Super Bowl finalist, the Philadelphia Eagles. They had an incredible season last year, losing only three times in the regular season before an agonizingly close loss in the Super Bowl. They lost that thriller 38-35, accenting their offensive talent especially with star quarterback Jalen Hurts. They are yet another team who are favored to make the Super Bowl, which means this will once again be a test of the Jets’ playoff potential. The Eagles are also the only team in the league that the Gang Green have never beaten in regular season.
December 24 – Washington Commanders
With Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday this year, we will see game week 16 take place. What better way to spend Christmas than with good, old-fashioned football. The Jets will welcome the Commanders to MetLife Stadium that week and it could prove to be very important. With just two more regular season games scheduled after this one, it could be a pivotal time in their season if Saleh and Co. plan on reaching the playoffs. It is around this time that the conference winners usually clinch their playoff spots and if the Jets are not able to reach the top of the AFC East, they will be doing everything they can to get a Wildcard. They have a great opportunity to do that by beating the Commanders and they will likely be favorites for this game.