Jets schedule ranks among easiest in 2024

The Jets' path to the playoffs in 2024 could be easier than it was this past season — and not just because Aaron Rodgers is expected to return.

New York's strength of schedule ranks No. 4 in the league heading into the season, according to Sharp Football Analytics. Only the Falcons, Chargers and Bears have an easier slate of games. These numbers are based on projected win totals of opponents.

This past year, the Jets' strength of schedule finished 18th, meaning their path was already harder than average. That doesn't include the reality that they played without Rodgers for all but four snaps. New York finished 7-10 but ranked third in the AFC East.

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Jets schedule ranks among easiest in 2024

A brief look at the Jets' 2024 opponents explains the easy schedule. Only eight of the Jets' 17 matchups feature playoff teams: The Bills (twice), the Dolphins (twice), the Texans, the Rams, the 49ers and the Steelers.New York also plays seven games against teams that had a losing record in 2023 and 10 total who have an implied win total of fewer than 10 for 2024.

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The Jets will play the third-place teams after finishing third in the AFC East this past season. Matching up with the vaunted NFC West is unideal, but the Jets won't have to travel for the games in Seattle or Los Angeles. New York will also face the AFC South, which is competitive within itself but otherwise not daunting. The Texans and Colts offer the toughest matchup, the Jaguars are feisty and the Titans are trying to find a new identity with a new head coach.

For what it's worth, the rest of the AFC East ranks No. 31 (Patriots), No. 23 (Bills) and No. 8 (Dolphins).

Here is a breakdown of the Jets' 2024 opponents with 2023 record and implied win total: