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    NFL Rumors: Aaron Rodgers Trade Makes Jets Prime-Time Darlings?

    It's no longer a rumor, the Aaron Rodgers trade is official -- will the Jets be prime-time darlings for NFL media executives?

    After finally agreeing on a blockbuster trade with the Green Bay Packers to land star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets are ready for takeoff. Along with the arrival of one of the most prominent players in the NFL, New York could play as many as six prime-time games during the upcoming regular season.

    NFL Rumors: Jets To Be Heavily Featured After Aaron Rodgers Trade?

    According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, New York is expected to play up to six prime-time games during the upcoming regular season.

    Although the NFL schedule makers have been hard at work for a while, it’s easy to see why the Jets will appeal to the national market following their recent trade.

    MORE: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades

    Aaron Rodgers is one of, if not, the most prominent player in the NFL. Rodgers is entertaining both on and off the field, as he doesn’t shy away from the spotlight in the game’s biggest moments. Now being able to pair Rodgers with arguably the biggest media market in the NFL has to have the schedule makers salivating at the possibilities.

    Although the Jets were the surprise darling in the AFC after their hit start last season, the expectations will be much higher in 2023. Many view the Jets as just a quarterback away from competing for the AFC title. Rodgers struggled at times last season, but it’s fair to expect that he will return to his MVP-caliber form and be the missing piece in New York.

    Jets’ Schedule Could Feature Intriguing Prime-Time Matchups

    While the arrival of Rodgers in New York will certainly help them land prime-time games, the opponents on the Jets’ schedule are also enticing. The Jets will play both teams that played in Super Bowl 57 last season, as the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles appear to be obvious choices for prime-time matchups with New York.

    Divisional games are always filled with drama, and the AFC East is expected to be highly competitive next season. While the New England Patriots have certainly taken a step back in recent years, the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins offer juicy matchups for prime-time television. New York and Buffalo could be electric as star quarterbacks Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers duel through the air.

    There are several other teams on New York’s schedule with prime-time potential. The Jets will travel on the road to play the Dallas Cowboys, who typically land a decent chunk of prime-time games. Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers will travel across the country to play the Jets. The battle for New York (or New Jersey) between the Jets and Giants should be a fun game as well.

    Jets’ Recent Prime-Time History

    Despite the arrival of Rodgers, New York has a rough history of performances on the NFL’s national stage. The Jets have lost eight straight prime-time games, including a few embarrassing performances. It’s fair to wonder if fans of the team are worried about more games under the bright lights.

    The most notable moment in New York’s history on prime time could be the most embarrassing play in NFL history. It’s hard to forget Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez running into his offensive lineman during the notorious “butt fumble” on Thanksgiving day in 2012. Yet, New York’s uninspiring performances on prime time have continued in recent years as well.

    In 2021, New York traveled to Indianapolis and allowed the Colts to put up 45 points, including a dominant showing on the ground. Colts running backs Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines combined to rush for 246 yards on just 25 carries, including three touchdowns.

    After an embarrassing run on prime-time television, it’s clear that the Jets are hoping to turn things around. The acquisition of Aaron Rodgers isn’t just about trading for a star quarterback, it’s about helping New York return to their days of contending for an AFC title and being respectable on prime time.

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