The New York Jets have their sights on one thing and one thing only: winning it all at Super Bowl LVIII. That goal is high, especially after the blockbuster trade for Aaron Rodgers. The question is, can they come out on top of the AFC East?

Gang Green finished last in the division with a 7-10 record last season. At first, the team started at 5-2, but after an ugly 16-9 victory over the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium, the season took a U-Turn for Gang Green. The early momentum disappeared when Alijah Vera-Tucker and Breece Hall went down on the season-ending shelf.

The Jets did bounce back with a 31-10 victory over the Chicago Bears but then lost their last six games to fall 4th in the division. The 2023-2024 team made flashes in the offseason, and one can’t help but wonder if it will pay off.

Can the New York Jets Win The AFC East?

Sauce Gardner New York Jets CB

Jets CB Sauce Gardner (1) – Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

The addition of Rodgers makes their schedule very interesting for this year. Gang Green added Rodger’s Packer teammates Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Rodgers. The New York Jets enter the 2023-2024 season seeking to end their long playoff drought. The team has not made the playoffs since the 2010 season.

The New York Jets has quite a division to contend with on the field with the Bills, a tough Dolphins team, and a still Bill Belichick-led Patriots team. The Jets boast some strength on offense with Rodgers, Wilson, Cobb, and Running Backs Dalvin Cook and Breece Hall. The secondary boasts a strong presence with All-Pro Cornerback Sauce Gardner and reliable veterans.

Jets fans are optimistic about their team, and Rodgers joins a talented group with one of the top defenses in the NFL. In many ways, Rodgers was the missing piece since the New York Jets had suffered awful Quarterback play for a while.

New York Jets 2023-24 Season Schedule

Although Gang Green finished 2-4 against the AFC East last year, they have a better chance considering some other additions like Safety Adrian Amos, Wide Receiver Mecole Hardman, Defensive Tackle Quinton Jefferson, and Running Back Dalvin Cook. The Jets won their season opener on the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks against division rival Buffalo Bills.

There is a tough slate of opponents for the New York Jets this season, so let us look at their 2023-24 NFL season schedule. Gang Green’s opponents this year are as follows:

  • Week One: Win: 22-16 09/11 vs. Buffalo Bills (Monday Night Football), 8:15 p.m. 
  • Week Two: 09/17 @ Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. 
  • Week Three: 09/24 vs. New England Patriots, 1 p.m. 
  • Week Four: 10/1 vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m.
  • Week Five: 10/8 @ Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m.
  • Week Six: 10/15 vs. Philadelphia Eagle 4:25 p.m.
  • Week Seven:  BYE WEEK
  • Week Eight: 10/29 @ New York Giants 1:00 p.m.
  • Week Nine: 11/6 vs. Los Angeles Chargers 8:15 p.m.
  • Week 10: 11/12 @ Las Vegas Raiders 8:20 p.m.
  • Week 11: 11/19 @ Buffalo Bills 4:25 p.m.
  • Week 12: 11/24 vs. Miami Dolphins 3:00 p.m.
  • Week 13: 12/3 vs. Atlanta Falcons 1:00 p.m.
  • Week 14: 12/10 vs. Houston Texans 1:00 p.m.
  • Week 15: 12/17 @ Miami Dolphins 1:00 p.m.
  • Week 16: 12/24 vs. Washington Commanders 1:00 p.m.
  • Week 17: 12/28 @ Cleveland Browns 8:15 p.m.
  • Week 18: 1/7 @ New England Patriots 

Despite the 22-16 victory over the Bills, the New York Jets lost Rodgers to a torn Achilles after just four snaps. Rodgers’ foot was on the turf and took a sack early in the game, and he didn’t return for the remainder of the Bills matchup. On Sep 13, Rodgers took to social media to address his season-ending injury on Instagram.

In the post, Rodgers said, “I’m completely heartbroken and moving through all the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today.” Rodgers also gave thanks to those who contacted him about his injury. In the same post, he said, “Thank you to every person that has reached out, called, texted, DM’d connected through a friend. It has meant a ton to me, and I’ll try to get back to all of you soon.”

Conclusion

Rodgers’ season-ending injury does change the momentum in the AFC East race. However, The Jets defense was masterful against the Bills. Of course, the injury changes things drastically, but the Jets still have a chance with their hardcore Defense.

With Rodgers out, ex-BYU Quarterback and No. 2 Overall Draft Pick Zach Wilson will again line up under center for Gang Green. IN HIS SHORT CAREER, the BYU product has accumulated 4,162 yards with 16 TDs to 19 INTs. If Wilson doesn’t produce on his end, it’ll be a long shot for the Jets to win the division.

To see more of our content from the site, check out NFL Week 1 Recap 2023, New York Giants Week 1 Slay and Bomb, and What Went Wrong for the Buffalo Bills in the Meadowlands Monday Night?