The 2025 season marks a fresh start for the New York Jets. With no Super Bowl buzz or sky-high expectations clouding the narrative, the focus shifts to whether this team can remain competitive throughout the year — and whether Aaron Glenn is the right man to lead them as head coach.
It’s unlikely those kinds of questions will be fully answered in his first year, but fans will certainly begin forming their opinions.
After being heavily featured in primetime the last two years (11 games), the Jets will appear under the lights just three times in 2025. They’ll face the Miami Dolphins in Week 4 on Monday Night Football, travel to London in Week 6 to play the Denver Broncos, and go on the road again in Week 11 to take on the New England Patriots.
The season opener versus the Pittsburgh Steelers already has intrigue. If former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers ends up in Pittsburgh, all eyes will be on that Sept. 7 matchup. If not, the Steelers will likely rely on a quarterback group that includes Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson — potentially giving the Jets a chance to open the Glenn/Moughey era with a win.
Weeks 2 and 3 will present stiff challenges: a home game against the Buffalo Bills followed by a road trip to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Though the Jets had some success against Buffalo in recent years, the Bills have a reputation for starting strong. Since Josh Allen entered the league in 2018, Buffalo has gone 14-8 in September, and excluding his rookie year, they boast a 13-5 early-season record.
The Buccaneers come in with a potent offense led by Baker Mayfield, featuring receiving threats like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, rookie Emeka Egbuka, and tight end Cade Otton. Godwin is recovering from a major ankle injury, so rookie Jalen McMillan could have an early impact. Tampa’s backfield includes Bucky Irving and Rachaad White — a dangerous duo. Defensively, former Jets head coach Todd Bowles oversees a unit that finished 18th in total defense last year.
Week 6 takes the Jets across the Atlantic, where they face the Broncos in London. Interestingly, the team has opted not to take their bye week after the overseas trip. Instead, they’ll return home in Week 7 to host the Carolina Panthers — a team that showed flashes of offensive potential late last season but ended with the league’s worst-ranked defense, making it a winnable game for New York.
The Jets’ toughest part of the schedule could either be the first four weeks or the brutal stretch from Weeks 7 to 13. During that period, New York faces a string of difficult opponents: the Bengals on the road, the Browns at home, the Patriots in Foxborough, the Ravens in Baltimore, and then home games against the Falcons and Dolphins.
While it’s hard to predict outcomes in May, the Jets could steal a win in Week 7 if Cincinnati’s defense continues to struggle and their own defense lives up to expectations. The Browns may have instability at quarterback, but their defense remains stout, and head coach Kevin Stefanski is just two years removed from winning Coach of the Year.
Facing the Patriots in Week 10 will be tough, especially with Mike Vrabel now on the sidelines. But second-year quarterback Drake Maye may still be adjusting, which could work in New York’s favor.
The matchup against the Ravens is likely a loss — Baltimore is a powerhouse in both the AFC and NFL overall. Atlanta, meanwhile, could be an emerging threat. The Falcons revamped their defense dramatically, signing Leonard Floyd and drafting four defensive players poised to contribute immediately: Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., Xavier Watts, and Billy Bowman Jr.
Miami will stay a difficult opponent as long as Tua Tagovailoa remains healthy, thanks to his dynamic duo at receiver — Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Season Outlook and Prediction
If the Jets’ defense can return to form — specifically the level it reached under Robert Saleh — and improve against the run, this team could surprise people. However, for that to happen, ownership must avoid meddling and allow the new regime to steer the team.
Quarterback Justin Fields won’t be asked to be the savior, but his athleticism and ability to protect the ball will be crucial. If the offensive line can create space for him, Breece Hall, and rookie Braelon Allen, this could become a gritty, competitive squad.
Although it’s only May, the early forecast predicts the Jets finishing the season at 8–9. They’re expected to split their matchups with the Dolphins and Patriots while losing both games to the Bills.
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