In the Spotlight: New York Jets Begin New Chapter With Geno Smith
The New York Jets enter the 2026 season attempting another reset after finishing 3-14 and last in the AFC East in 2025. New York scored only 17.6 points per game and finished last in the NFL in passing yards per game, helping trigger substantial changes on both sides of the ball.
Head coach Aaron Glenn returns for his second season, but the roster around him looks considerably different. Most notably, the Jets traded Justin Fields to Kansas City and brought back Geno Smith, who began his NFL career with New York in 2013. The veteran is expected to take over as the starting quarterback.
What to Watch
Smith’s return is the biggest storyline. The Jets hope an experienced quarterback can stabilize an offense that struggled badly in 2025. Garrett Wilson remains the top receiving threat, while Breece Hall gives New York a proven option in the backfield.
The Jets also used three NFL Draft first-round picks to add edge rusher David Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. Bailey, selected No. 2 overall, could immediately become an important part of a pass rush that recorded only 26 sacks last season.
Defense was another major offseason focus. New York traded for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive tackle T”Vondre Sweat while signing Joseph Ossai, Demario Davis and David Onyemata. Those additions are designed to strengthen a defense that allowed 29.6 points per game in 2025.
Betting Outlook
Sportsbooks like BetMGM and FanDuel aren’t expecting the Jets to immediately become contenders. DraftKings listed New York’s win total at 5.5 as of Aug. 1, with the Over priced at -120 and Under at +100. The Jets were also +690 to make the playoffs and -1100 to miss the postseason.
The futures market illustrates the size of the challenge. New York was +1900 to win the AFC East, +8600 to win the AFC and +20000 to win the Super Bowl. For bettors, the more realistic question may be whether the revamped roster can produce enough improvement to get beyond six victories.
Key Team Details
2025 record: 3-14, fourth in AFC East
Key players to watch: Geno Smith, Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Olu Fashanu, Minkah Fitzpatrick, T’Vondre Sweat and David Bailey
Expected starting QB: Geno Smith
Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Geno Smith, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joseph Ossai, Demario Davis, David Onyemata, T’Vondre Sweat, David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr.
Betting odds to win AFC East: +1900
Betting odds to win AFC Championship: +8600
Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +20000
Win totals over/under: 5.5 wins — Over -120; Under +100
2026-27 New York Jets Schedule
The Jets begin the regular season Sept. 13 at Tennessee and have their bye in Week 13. The schedule includes difficult road trips to Kansas City and Los Angeles, along with the traditional six AFC East games.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept. 13 | Tennessee Titans | Away |
| 2 | Sept. 20 | Green Bay Packers | Home |
| 3 | Sept. 27 | Detroit Lions | Away |
| 4 | Oct. 4 | Chicago Bears | Away |
| 5 | Oct. 11 | Cleveland Browns | Home |
| 6 | Oct. 18 | New England Patriots | Away |
| 7 | Oct. 25 | Miami Dolphins | Home |
| 8 | Nov. 1 | Las Vegas Raiders | Home |
| 9 | Nov. 8 | Kansas City Chiefs | Away |
| 10 | Nov. 15 | Buffalo Bills | Home |
| 11 | Nov. 22 | Los Angeles Chargers | Away |
| 12 | Nov. 29 | Miami Dolphins | Away |
| 13 | — | BYE | — |
| 14 | Dec. 13 | Denver Broncos | Home |
| 15 | Dec. 20 | Arizona Cardinals | Away |
| 16 | Dec. 27* | New England Patriots | Home |
| 17 | Jan. 3* | Minnesota Vikings | Home |
| 18 | TBD | Buffalo Bills | Away |
Related News
NFLBetting offers
