The 2016 season was the New York Jets' 47th in the National Football League (NFL), their 57th overall and their second under head coach Todd Bowles.

The team failed to improve on their 10–6 record from 2015, and missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season, instead finishing 5–11 and last in their division.

The Jets held a 22–20 lead going into the final minute, but Mike Nugent kicked the game-winning field goal for the Bengals with 54 seconds remaining.

Ryan Fitzpatrick was benched midway through the fourth quarter in favor of Geno Smith as the Jets fell to 1–5 on the season.

With the huge loss, the Jets fell to 3–9, and were mathematically eliminated from postseason contention for the sixth consecutive season.

With the win, the Jets finished their season at 5-11, and swept Buffalo for the first time since 2011.

In the fourth quarter, the Bills botched a kickoff return, which resulted in a unique touchdown for the Jets when special teamer Doug Middleton recovered the live kick in the Bills' end zone.