NY Jets Schedule 2021: Game-by-game predictions

For months, the NY Jets have known what teams would show up on their 2021 regular-season schedule. And as of 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12th, the Jets know exactly when they will take on each opponent.

Gang Green will be looking to bounce back from a 2-14 season, doing so against their division rivals, the AFC South, the NFC South, and more.

Now, let’s take a look at what the result of each contest might be.

Week 1: NY Jets @ Carolina Panthers

Boy, who could have seen this coming? Not like there are headlines galore with this matchup.

See the sarcasm there?

Right out of the gate, the Jets will open their season with the most anticipated game on their schedule. This being due to the many “what ifs” between the Jets and current Panthers players.

Rookie quarterback Zach Wilson will compete against his predecessor, Sam Darnold, in the first game of his career.

Earlier this offseason, Darnold was dealt to Carolina, therefore opening the position for the Jets to take Wilson. It also gave Darnold a fresh start after a rough tenure in the Big Apple.

This game is all about which quarterback is now in the better position. Is it Wilson, who has the weapons and blockers the Jets never gave Darnold? Or is it Darnold, who finally has the playmakers around him New York could never provide?

The matchup will also feature former Jets receiver Robby Anderson’s first game since leaving the team. In his lone season away from the Jets, Anderson posted career highs in receptions and receiving yards.

It is also worth mentioning the coaching duel of Robert Saleh and Matt Rhule. Rhule was a top candidate for the Jets head coaching job in 2019 before it went to Adam Gase.

Obviously, the rest is history, as Rhule and Darnold will now lead a promising Panthers team. Therefore, potentially breaking Jets fans' hearts to start the year with what could have been in 2019.

Prediction: Loss (0-1)