The New York Jets unveiled their complete 2026 NFL regular season schedule this past week. For a team that finished tied with a league-worst 3-14 record last season, the schedule looks fairly eventful and difficult.
There’s especially one peculiar three-game stretch at the beginning of the campaign that pits the Jets against three consecutive NFC North opponents which can be found right here:
Week 2: Green Bay Packers
The Jets will play their home opener against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. The Packers fell slightly short of expectations throughout 2025, but still managed to qualify for the postseason for the sixth time in seven years. Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur will set sights on reclaiming the NFC North division title.
Week 3: @ Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are another difficult early-season opponent despite their 2025 shortcomings. The Lions are coming off a 9-8 campaign after winning a combined 27 regular season games in 2023-24. They’re legitimate postseason contenders with Dan Campbell and Jared Goff.
Week 4: @ Chicago Bears
Traveling to Chicago for a Week 4 away-from-home date with the Bears will be the Jets’ third road game in the opening four weeks. Under Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson, the Bears took a massive step forward in 2025, winning their first division title since 2018. The Jets must prepare for a hostile Chicago environment.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: What is the Jets’ toughest 3-game stretch on the 2026 NFL schedule?
Reporting by Justin Melo, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
