Jets may get early shot at Minkah Fitzpatrick revenge game, per schedule rumors

New York Jets fans are clamoring for a manageable start to the 2026 season after their offseason improvements, as nothing would be more disheartening for Aaron Glenn than to get thrown into a meat grinder early despite their beefed-up roster. With the AFC West and NFC West lined up, things may look grim.

The latest rumors seem to suggest a manageable beginning to the season. The first game of the year is going to be against a division rival that is starting a major rebuild, and the home opener in the following week will likely come against a team with some uncertainty at quarterback.

According to Rick DiPietro, the Jets will take on the Miami Dolphins on the road in Week 1, setting up a revenge game for both defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive coordinator Brian Duker. Week 2 will reportedly see them invite Kyler Murray and the Minnesota Vikings to MetLife Stadium.

Jets reportedly playing at Dolphins in Week 1, home vs. Vikings in Week 2

The Dolphins are likely going to be fighting it out with the Jets to avoid being in last place in the AFC East. While Malik Willis gives them some surprising upside under center, Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan may be prepared for a long 2026 season after detonating the roster.

South Florida has been a house of horrors for the Jets, as it has been over a decade since their last victory on the road in Miami. Perhaps Fitzpatrick boosting the secondary and Duker linking up with Glenn could be the secret ingredient that turns them around.

The Vikings nearly made the playoffs with abysmal quarterback play, and upgrading with Murray should give them some competency. However, this is certainly a beatable opponent, and the Jets may be able to give this offense fits.

If these end up as the first two games, it may not be unreasonable for fans to expect a 1-1 start. Losing both of these games would be very disappointing. A 2-0 beginning, while very unlikely, should not be considered a complete fantasy situation.

Unlike the 2025 season, where the Jets found themselves buried behind an avalanche of playoff teams at the beginning of the season, New York may have some winnable games lined up before the meat of their schedule presents more of a challenge for a team eyeing a big improvement.

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