2023 New York Jets schedule analysis

On Thursday night, the NFL released the complete Jets schedule. Per NFL Research, Jets opponents had a 155-129-3 record in 2022, making their 2023 schedule the sixth-most difficult in the NFL. 

Circle the date: Week 4 vs. Chiefs

The Jets haven’t played on “Sunday Night Football" since 2012, but the addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers puts that streak to an end. New York will play on Sunday night twice this season, with its first matchup taking place against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Since a positive COVID-19 test kept Rodgers out of his 2021 showdown with Kansas City, this will be the first time he and Patrick Mahomes face off. As the contest features the two players who've won four of the last five MVP Awards, it's bound to be one of the most entertaining games of the early season. 

Toughest stretch: Weeks 1-6 (vs. Buffalo, at Dallas, vs. New England, vs. Kansas City, at Denver and vs. Philadelphia)

Though it’s reasonable to believe that the Jets could’ve reached the postseason in 2022 if Rodgers was their quarterback, it doesn’t guarantee a playoff spot this year. New York’s opening stretch is as daunting as it could be. It opens up against Josh Allen and the Bills on “Monday Night Football” and then travels to Dallas on short rest. 

In Week 3, New York hosts the Patriots, who it hasn’t beaten since Ryan Fitzpatrick was its starting quarterback in 2015 before traveling to Denver to play at high altitude. The Jets finish their opening stretch against the Eagles which won't be easy, but they could steal a win.

Philadelphia will have to adjust to New York's talented roster after playing much weaker teams the three previous weeks (The Buccaneers, Commanders and Rams). 

Easiest stretch: Weeks 13-18 (vs. Atlanta, vs. Houston, at Miami, vs. Washington, at Cleveland and at New England)

The first half of New York’s schedule will have its challenges, but it eases up for the stretch run. Of the six teams the Jets face to end the season, only Miami posted a winning record in 2022.

They'll also have the luxury of playing some inexperienced quarterbacks along the way in Atlanta's Desmond Ridder (Week 13), Houston's C.J. Stroud (Week 14) and Washington's Sam Howell (Week 16). 

If Rodgers can help the Jets end the longest active playoff drought in North American sports, this stretch should serve as a useful preparation for the postseason.

Inaugural Black Friday game

The Rodgers effect extends beyond providing the Jets with the opportunity to play on "Sunday Night Football." On Wednesday, it was announced that New York will host Miami in the first Black Friday game, which will be broadcast on Amazon's Prime Video service. 

Hopefully, Rodgers' history of success on and against the Dolphins can carry over to his Black Friday showdown, he's 2-1 on Turkey Day and 3-1 versus Miami in his career.