New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Why NFL schedule-makers are bullish about the Jets despite disastrous 2023

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 5/16/24

Last season, the Jets collapsed after quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. NFL schedule makers are banking on New York having better luck in 2024.

This upcoming season, the Jets will play in six prime-time games, tied with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers for the most in the league. They join the Kansas City Chiefs as the only team with seven stand-alone games.

Your OFFICIAL 2024 New York Jets schedule. pic.twitter.com/EMSGBYHEOu
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 16, 2024

"The Jets are still a solid team at their core," NFL vice president of broadcasting Onnie Bose told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. "We talked a lot about that. How do we go into it this year? He is coming off a big injury, but at the same time, it's still Aaron Rodgers. It's still the New York market. They still play in the AFC East. They still play the 49ers and Houston and a bunch of big games."

Although the Jets went 7-10 and missed the playoffs last season, they're still one of the biggest draws in the league. Rodgers' return from a severe injury is one of the most compelling storylines of the 2024 NFL season.

Viewers will still tune in even if Rodgers — a four-time MVP — struggles and the Jets are a disaster. Bose pointed out that viewership for Jets games was up last season.

On the other hand, Rodgers rebounding and helping New York vie for a playoff spot would also attract massive audiences. The Jets have the longest postseason drought (13 seasons) in North America's four major sports.

Making the postseason will be difficult, however. The Jets' schedule is tied for the 12th-hardest in the NFL (opponents had a .505 win percentage in 2023). As of Thursday, FanDuel lists their 2024-25 over/under at 9.5 wins.

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