The New York Jets are hoping that their 2024 season goes a great deal better than their 2023 season. Last offseason, hopes and expectations were high within the organization after they acquired four-time NFL MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. Armed with a sure-fire Hall of Famer with a chip on his shoulder and several of his good buddies from the Frozen Tundra, the Jets were sure to make a push for the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, Rodgers tore his Achilles early in Week One, their free agent signings failed to produce, and the Jets realized that they did not want to move forward with former second overall pick Zach Wilson.
But that was last year, and this year Rodgers is healthy, the offensive line is better (it couldn’t get worse), and the team feels like they are in a good place and will be able to return to contention this season.
However, the 2024 NFL schedule looks incredibly challenging for the Jets, especially early on, and is not without a couple hints of irony in regards to Rodgers.
- Week 1: September 9, at San Francisco 49ers (Monday Night Football)- 8:15 PM
- Week 2: September 15, at Tennessee Titans- 1:00 PM
- Week 3: September 19 vs New England Patriots (Thursday Night Football)- 8:15 PM
- Week 4: September 29 vs Denver Broncos- 1:00 PM
- Week 5: October 6 at Minnesota Vikings (London Game)- 9:30 AM
- Week 6: October 14 vs Buffalo Bills (Monday Night Football)- 8:15 PM
- Week 7: October 20 at Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday Night Football)- 8:20 PM
- Week 8: October 27 at New England Patriots- 1:00 PM
- Week 9: October 31 vs Houston Texans (Thursday Night Football)- 8:15 PM
- Week 10: November 10 at Arizona Cardinals- 4:25 PM
- Week 11: November 17 vs Indianapolis Colts (Sunday Night Football)- 8:20 PM
- Week 12: BYE
- Week 13: December 1 vs Seattle Seahawks- 1:00 PM
- Week 14: December 8 at Miami Dolphins- 1:00 PM
- Week 15: December 15 at Jacksonville Jaguars- 1:00 PM
- Week 16: December 22 vs Los Angeles Rams- 1:00 PM
- Week 17: December 29 at Buffalo Bills- 1:00 PM
- Week 18: vs Miami Dolphins (date and time TBD)
The New York Jets 2024 Could Be a Struggle for Aaron Rodgers
As seen in the schedule above, the Jets play three games in 10 days to start their season. Rodgers, who is 40 years old and coming off of an Achilles injury, is going to be hard-pressed to stay healthy and loose during that early tough stretch. There is no doubt that he can do it, as he is one of the fiercest competitors in NFL history. but it is going to be difficult.
Another concern regarding Rodgers’ age and injury history is the December 29 game in Buffalo. Of course, playing in the snow and elements is part of the game, and Rodgers has a history of playing well in the cold temperatures at Lambeau Field. However, that was then and this is now. A late season game in Buffalo is going to be tough.
Finally, the Jets’ schedule holds a bit of irony for Rodgers and his injury history. Once again, the Jets open their season on Monday Night Football, the same slot they were in when Rodgers tore his Achilles last season.
New York, as seen above, plays the Vikings in Week Five in London. In 2022, his last season with the Packers, Rodgers broke his thumb against the New York Giants, in Week Five, playing in London.
Hopefully he has a more successful and injury-free time abroad this year.
