2021 New York Jets Schedule: Full Listing of Dates, Times and TV Info

The New York Jets will attempt to end a 10-year playoff drought with a new-look team in 2021.

Robert Saleh has replaced Adam Gase as head coach after a 2-14 season in which the Jets struggled in pretty much every phase of the game.

The team also made several notable changes to the roster, including at quarterback after selecting Zach Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick and sending Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers. The team focused on offense through the draft with the additions of Elijah Moore, Michael Carter and Alijah Vera-Tucker. 

The Jets upgraded in other areas through free agency, too, with the additions of Corey Davis, Carl Lawson and Sheldon Rankins. It could help turn things around after being outscored by 214 points in 2020, easily the worst mark in the NFL.

Here is the schedule the team will see in 2021, per the Jets' official Twitter account.

Analysis

A last-place schedule will make things easier for the Jets in 2021, but it doesn't mean things will be easy for the rebuilding squad.

The Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to town in Week 17 with a familiar foe in Tom Brady, who has a 29-7 regular-season record against the Jets in his career.

This is one of five different playoff teams from last year on the schedule, although many of those who fell short last season should be better. The New England Patriots reloaded in free agency, and the Miami Dolphins' and Buffalo Bills' young rosters are expected to further improve, creating serious challenges within the division.

With some of the best defenses in the NFL on the schedule, Wilson will be tested early in his career.

The entire offense will face some serious challenges in 2021 after finishing dead last in the league in both points scored and total yards from scrimmage last year, and it will be up to new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to get the most out of his roster.

Pivotal Matchups

If there is any game that will get the attention of a national audience, it's Week 16 for the home matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

These teams had just three wins between them in 2020 but will now be led by the top two picks of the 2021 draft. The Jaguars took Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 pick, while the Jets went with Wilson at No. 2.

If they live up to expectations, this could be the beginning of an exciting rivalry between the two young signal-callers. Of course, a big performance by Lawrence could help remind the Jets what they gave up by winning two late games last year.

Meanwhile, the most important games in the standings will likely come within the division.

New England is coming off its worst season in 20 years, yet New York still wasn't able to get a win against Bill Belichick and company. The Jets have lost their last 10 games against the Patriots dating back to an overtime victory in 2015.

Ending this streak would endear Saleh to the fanbase and prove these aren't the same old Jets.