In an electrifying matchup on Sunday Night Football, the New York Jets (2-4, 2-4 ATS) will face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2, 4-2 ATS) in an AFC showdown. The last encounter between these teams in 2022 saw the Jets triumph 24-20 on the road. Coming off a narrow 23-20 defeat at home against the Buffalo Bills, the Jets enter this game as 2-point road favorites. Meanwhile, the Steelers recently secured a convincing 32-13 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders as 3.5-point favorites. Fans can tune in for the game at 8:20 EST from Acrisure Stadium, airing on NBC.
Jets Make a Significant Addition
The New York Jets have made headlines once again by trading for star wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. Adams, a three-time First Team All-Pro, was reportedly dissatisfied in Las Vegas. The Jets’ trade involved a third-round pick that could convert into a second-rounder if Adams earns an All-Pro selection or if the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game. This bold move reflects the Jets’ focus on maximizing their current window with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Despite initial concerns about Garrett Wilson’s reaction to Adams joining the team, reports indicate that Wilson is enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn from one of his favorite players. Aaron Rodgers aims to enhance his 9-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio, currently averaging 231.2 passing yards per game with a 61.8% completion rate. He will now have a formidable receiving corps featuring Wilson (399 yards, 3 touchdowns), Allen Lazard (354 yards, 5 touchdowns), and Adams. Running back Breece Hall has also been contributing, accumulating 310 rushing yards and 204 receiving yards with five total touchdowns.
The Jets rank 24th in the league with an average of 18.8 points per game, while their defense is performing well, allowing only 18.0 points, placing them 7th overall. Linebacker Jamien Sherwood leads the team with 53 tackles, while Will McDonald IV has been a standout on the defensive line, contributing seven of the team’s total 20 sacks. However, McDonald is listed as questionable for this game. Cornerback Sauce Gardner has established himself as a lockdown defender, and Brandin Echols has recorded the team’s only two interceptions.
Injury Report:
Questionable: TE Tyler Conklin, OT Morgan Moses, DE Will McDonald IV, CB Michael Carter II, CB D.J. Reed
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Pittsburgh’s Quarterback Dilemma
All attention will be on Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare to decide on their starting quarterback for this Sunday Night matchup. Justin Fields has led the Steelers to a solid 4-2 record, boasting a 5-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and over 230 rushing yards. Despite this success, Russell Wilson has been taking first-team practice reps and appears set to start this game. Both players have publicly supported each other, but the outcome of this decision could shift depending on Wilson’s performance.
If Wilson takes the field, it will mark his debut as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. Once considered a potential Hall of Fame talent, he has struggled in recent seasons with Denver, leading to his eventual benching. At 35 years old, this might be Wilson’s last shot at being a starting quarterback. Wide receiver George Pickens hopes for increased targets, as he currently averages 60.5 yards per game without a touchdown. Najee Harris leads the backfield, having rushed for 376 yards and one touchdown. The Steelers will need to adapt their strategies, especially near the end zone, as Wilson lacks the same mobility Fields showcased.
The Steelers rank 21st in the NFL in scoring, averaging 20.7 points per game, while their defense is performing admirably, allowing just 14.3 points, placing them 2nd in the league. Star linebacker T.J. Watt leads the team with 4.5 sacks, contributing to the defense’s 14 total sacks this season. Safety DeShon Elliott leads the team in tackles with 45, while cornerback Donte Jackson has recorded three of the team’s seven interceptions.
Injury Report:
Questionable: RB Cordarrelle Patterson, OT Dylan Cook, S Damontae Kazee
Out: C Zach Frazier, LB Nick Herbig
Best Bets for New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The betting lines for this game have seen a notable shift. Initially, the Steelers were favored by 1.5 points, but the spread has flipped, and the Jets are now favored by 2 points. This change suggests that analysts believe Adams’ addition provides a significant boost for the Jets, while Wilson’s potential start is viewed as a downgrade for the Steelers. Though Adams may take time to adjust, his presence will likely open up opportunities for Wilson and enhance the ground game by forcing defenses to alter their coverage schemes.
Inside the Steelers’ locker room, there has been a clear preference for Fields, who led the team to a 4-2 record and has been more popular among teammates. With Wilson at the helm, the Steelers must find a way to adapt their game plan, particularly in short-yardage situations. The Jets’ defensive line is expected to dominate against a Steelers offensive line missing key players, including center Zach Frazier. As a result, the Jets will likely control the line of scrimmage, limiting the Steelers’ run game and compelling Wilson to make plays from the pocket, which may prove challenging.
