New York Jets (2-4) Face Off Against Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
This Sunday at 8:20 p.m. EDT, the New York Jets are set to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a highly anticipated matchup, televised on NBC. With BetMGM’s NFL odds favoring the Jets by 1.5 points, this game adds another chapter to a historical rivalry where the Steelers currently lead the series 20-7. Against the spread, the Jets hold a 2-4 record while the Steelers stand at 4-2.
In their last encounter, the Jets secured a decisive victory, triumphing over the Steelers 24-10 during their meeting on October 2, 2022, in Pittsburgh. The Jets are looking to bounce back after narrowly losing to the Buffalo Bills, 23-20, while the Steelers are coming off a convincing 32-13 win against the Raiders in Las Vegas.
Analyzing statistics, the Jets’ offense ranks 22nd overall, struggling particularly in the rushing game where they are 30th. Their passing game fares slightly better at 16th, with a scoring ranking of 22nd. In contrast, the Jets’ defense shines at 2nd overall, with strong performances against both the run (17th) and pass (2nd), while allowing just 7 points on average, placing them 7th in scoring defense.
The Steelers have a challenging offensive position, ranking 26th overall, but manage a respectable 9th in rushing. They struggle in passing at 28th and have a scoring defense rated at 20th. On the defensive front, Pittsburgh ranks higher at 8th overall, 4th against the run, and 13th against the pass, with an impressive 2nd place in scoring defense.
One noteworthy addition to the Jets roster is wide receiver Davante Adams, who was recently acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders. Adams, who has been sidelined recently due to a hamstring issue, will be reuniting with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who previously connected with him for over 7,500 yards and 68 touchdowns over their time in Green Bay.
The Steelers are keenly watching quarterback Russell Wilson, who may make his first start after recovering from a calf injury that kept him out for the first six weeks of the season. Although Wilson’s experience, reflected in his nine Pro Bowl selections, is promising, the Steelers will be looking for a significant improvement in their passing game, which has struggled under Justin Fields.
A focal point of the game will be the matchup between Pittsburgh’s secondary and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has had success against the Steelers historically. As he prepares for his fourth start against them, expectations are high for him not only to continue his legacy but to exploit any weaknesses in a secondary that has been vulnerable against seasoned quarterbacks.
In terms of injuries, both teams are grappling with significant absences. The Jets are likely to miss cornerbacks D.J. Reed and Michael Carter II, which could weaken their secondary. For the Steelers, rookie center Zach Frazier and outside linebacker Nick Herbig are also ruled out, although there is optimism regarding the potential return of linebacker Alex Highsmith.
Historically, while the Steelers have dominated this series, they are coming off two consecutive losses to the Jets. The last clash highlighted the shifting dynamics within both franchises, where both starting quarterbacks, Zach Wilson and Kenny Pickett, were thought to represent the future—yet have since moved on.
As the Jets begin their second game under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, they aim to end a troubling three-game losing streak, hoping to avoid their first four-game slide since last season. Meanwhile, Rodgers is hunting for his first 300-yard passing game in nearly two years, having come alarmingly close in last week’s loss against Buffalo.
Expectations are also high for Jets running back Breece Hall, who has started to find form after a slow start this season, as well as receiver Garrett Wilson, who has made significant contributions over the past couple of games.
Lastly, for fantasy football enthusiasts, keep an eye on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, who may benefit greatly from Wilson’s offensive play style, particularly if the team can effectively use play action—a tactic that had proven problematic with their previous quarterback.