The 2024 season has been one of the most excruciating seasons for the New York Jets, as well as their fans. With the questionable performance the team has once again found themselves in, it’s no wonder many are disappointed with the team. From their declining play across the board to the eventual firing of Robert Saleh, the Jets have a lot to do to keep up with the other teams.
However, that doesn’t mean the Jets didn’t have their moments this season.
NY Jets at San Francisco 49ers, Week 1
The Week 1 clash between the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers set the tone for the Jets’ 2024 season. On the road in California, quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to competitive play after a 363-day hiatus.
Facing the 49ers, a team hungry for redemption after their narrow 25-22 Super Bowl loss to Kansas City, Rodgers was primed for a comeback, especially against a franchise that had dashed his playoff hopes twice with Green Bay.
This matchup pitted the Jets against one of the league’s most formidable defenses and an explosive offense featuring quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, receiver Deebo Samuel, and TE George Kittle.
The 49ers’ offensive firepower, which averaged 28.9 points per game in 2023, tested the Jets’ defensive resilience and Rodgers’ ability to spark his team’s offense. Jets fans watching this game felt a similar excitement to what college football betting enthusiasts experience, anticipating the outcome of a high-stakes clash.
While the team ultimately lost 32-29 in favor of the 49ers, their grit and determination against a powerful opponent has undoubtedly shown the team’s resilience.
NY Jets vs. New England Patriots, Week 3
The New York Jets delivered a memorable performance against their long-time AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots, on September 19, 2024. Once the underdogs in this matchup, the Jets showcased dominance with a 24-3 victory, marking their first home game of the season at MetLife Stadium.
Aaron Rodgers, demonstrating skill and precision, led the offense with 281 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 27 of 35 attempts. Supported by running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, the Jets ran a balanced offense that accumulated 400 yards.
Defensively, the Jets were relentless, tallying seven sacks and limiting the Patriots to just 139 yards. Defensive end Will McDonald added two sacks to his impressive season record, while safety Chuck Clark forced and recovered a crucial fumble.
The Jets’ win, fueled by both a powerful offense and an unyielding defense, showcased their growth from their loss against the 49ers.
NY Jets vs. Buffalo Bills, Week 6
This game holds immense significance for the Jets. It marks Aaron Rodgers’ return to face Buffalo after his Achilles injury, sustained just four plays into his Jets career. Adding to the drama, this showdown will take place on “Monday Night Football” at MetLife Stadium—an almost identical setup to last season’s opener, though now a third of the way into the season.
The matchup also highlights Rodgers’ progression of synergy with the Jets’ offense and Bills QB Josh Allen’s adaptation without Stefon Diggs, who was traded to the Texans. Despite multiple storylines, the more crucial encounter between these division contenders will be in Week 17, when the Jets head to Buffalo, where weather will likely play a key role in the high-stakes game.
NY Jets vs. Houston Texans, Week 9
The New York Jets ended a five-game losing streak with a strong second-half comeback, securing a 21-13 victory over the Houston Texans on “Thursday Night Football.” After a sluggish first half, where they only gained 79 yards and missed a touchdown due to rookie Malachi Corley’s fumble, the Jets turned things around post-break.
The Texans led 7-0 at halftime, courtesy of Joe Mixon’s three-yard touchdown. However, Aaron Rodgers ignited the Jets’ offense with consecutive touchdowns, connecting twice with Garrett Wilson, whose remarkable catch could be a Catch of the Year contender.
Later, Rodgers hit Davante Adams for a 37-yard touchdown, marking their first scoring link-up as Jets teammates. New York’s defense shined, tallying eight sacks and a crucial forced fumble by Will McDonald IV in the red zone. This win also marked interim coach Jeff Ulbrich’s first victory since stepping in. The Jets (3-6) now look to build momentum on the road against the Arizona Cardinals.
NY Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 7
It’s a showdown between two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks as Aaron Rodgers faces Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh. This marks the Jets’ debut on Sunday night this season and their first true road game in over a month since their Week 5 London matchup against the Vikings was classified as a home game.
Historically, Rodgers holds a narrow advantage over Wilson with a 5-4 head-to-head record. Their last postseason encounter was in the 2019 Divisional Round, where Rodgers led the Packers to a 28-23 victory over Wilson’s Seahawks.
Final Words
The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster of unforgettable moments for the Jets, showcasing their resilience and growth as a team. Each game has offered fans a reason to believe, from thrilling victories to key performances by Aaron Rodgers. With standout moments like these, the Jets are poised for an exciting season finale.
