The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets meet Sunday in NFL action from MetLife Stadium. This will be the regular-season opener for both teams. Here’s a Jets vs Steelers prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Jets vs Steelers pick.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Preview
The Steelers were in good shape late last season, but suffered a collapse at the end of the year with four straight losses heading into the playoffs. Pittsburgh would finish 10-7 overall and in second place among the AFC North, but lost the Wild Card Playoffs matchup versus the rival Baltimore Ravens 28-14.
Pittsburgh played their preseason opener versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Steelers managed to score in every quarter (and give up points in every quarter) during a 31-25 win. Skylar Thompson put up 233 yards with three scores on 20-of-28 passing in that one. As for game two, Pittsburgh came home to Acrisure Stadium and a tough 17-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thompson was more vulnerable in that game, logging 10-of-15 passing for 113 yards and a pick. Kaleb Johnson rushed 11 times for 50 yards, and Roman Wilson caught two balls for 72 yards.
In their preseason finale this year, the Steelers played a Thursday matchup versus the Carolina Panthers. Pittsburgh powered through a 19-10 victory thanks in part to Thompson’s 152 yards and a TD on 11-of-13 throwing. Lance McCutcheon caught the score among his three grabs for 52 yards.
New York Jets Betting Preview
Over on the Jets’ side, they posted yet another miserable and frustrating year in 2024, ultimately going just 5-12 overall and ending the Aaron Rodgers experiment. New York obviously missed the playoffs with that record, marking the ninth straight year going home early. It was also their fifth straight year with double-digit losses.
The Jets put up some nice numbers in their first preseason game versus the Green Bay Packers, scoring in every quarter during a 30-10 win. Adrian Martinez put up 152 yards and a TD on 11-of-16 passing, and Donovan Edwards led the rush with 42 yards on nine carries. Game two didn’t go so well against the intracity rival Giants, though; the Jets lost that one 31-12. Martinez had 114 yards and a pick on 12-of-21 throwing, and Brandon Smith had five catches for 48 yards to top the receivers.
In the preseason finale versus the champion Eagles, the Jets took another loss—this time 19-17. New York’s Brady Cook had 99 yards and an interception on 13-of-19 passing, while Lawrance Toafili had 38 yards and a TD on seven totes. Jamaal Pritchett had 54 yards on four receptions as the top receiver.
Why the New York Jets will win
- The Steelers have lost each of their last four games as favorites against AFC East opponents.
- The underdogs have won four of the last five games between the Steelers and Jets.
- The Steelers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games.
- The home team has covered the spread in four of the last five games between the Steelers and Jets.
- The Jets have scored the first touchdown in four of their last five games against the Steelers.
- The Steelers have lost the first quarter in each of their last eight games against AFC East opponents.
- The Steelers have lost the first half in each of their last nine games against AFC East opponents.
Why the Pittsburgh Steelers will win
- Jonnu Smith’s team has won seven of its last eight games with him playing against Quincy Williams.
- The Jets have lost each of their last five games before a Division game.
- The Steelers have covered the spread in each of their last six Sunday games played on the East Coast.
- The Jets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games before a Division game.
- The Jets have lost the first half in 15 of their last 16 September games as underdogs.
- The Steelers have scored the first touchdown in four of their last five games played as favorites on the East Coast.
- The Jets have lost the first quarter in each of their last seven September games as home underdogs.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Jets’ last seven home openers against AFC opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Steelers’ last six season openers have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Three of the last four Sunday games at MetLife Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.
Jets vs Steelers Prediction
I’m staying with the Steelers. Both these teams have something to prove this season, but to be fair there’s much more pressure on Pittsburgh. The Steelers finished off their preseason pretty well, logging 325 total yards (226 passing) versus the Panthers. Pittsburgh did rack up a ton of penalties—13 for 104 yards—and secured only 15 first downs, however. The defense looked good overall, bagging 255 yards allowed (84 passing) and a couple of turnovers. That said, there was a lot of rushing (171 yards) and first downs (21) given up. Through three exhibition games the Steelers didn’t look too bad, however you’ll find lots of different opinions as to how much that matters.
In any case, Pittsburgh has the goods to compete in the AFC North this year—on paper at least. The offensive line should be solid overall and there are plenty of potential weapons to stretch out the field. On defense, the Steelers’ pass rush will once again be the biggest key area. The front seven should be pretty darn good again this year, but there are some question marks in the secondary. All things considered though, I like Pitt to handle the Jets in the opener without too much difficulty.