The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to take on the New York Jets in the opening week of the 2025 NFL season at MetLife Stadium. The game will kick off on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with CBS providing live coverage. The weather forecast suggests a mild day with a light breeze and light rain, which could influence the game’s dynamics.
Pittsburgh comes into this game under the guidance of head coach Mike Tomlin, hoping to build on a preseason that included a significant 31-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. With a moneyline of -151 and a spread of -3.0, the Steelers are slightly favored. Key players like Skylar Thompson and Trey Sermon will be crucial as they aim for a strong start to their campaign.
The New York Jets, led by head coach Aaron Glenn, will be looking to bounce back after a tough preseason that saw losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants. With a moneyline of +128 and a spread of +3.0, the Jets are seen as the underdogs. Strong performances from players such as Donovan Edwards and Quentin Skinner will be vital for the Jets as they look to defend their home turf.
Jets vs Steelers At a Glance
- Game Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
- Weather Forecast: Mild with a light breeze and ‘Light Rain’
- TV Channel: CBS
- Game Date and Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM
- Steelers Moneyline: -151
- Jets Moneyline: +128
The New York Jets: A Glimpse into Their Upcoming Game
Offensive Struggles
The New York Jets’ offense ranked 23rd in scoring during the 2024 regular season, putting up a total of 338 points. Their passing game was more effective, ranking 16th with 3,714 yards. However, their rushing attack lagged significantly, ranking 30th with only 1,561 yards.
Despite these challenges, the Jets managed to convert on third downs at a rate of 39.5%, placing them 14th in the league. This indicates a potential area of strength they may look to capitalize on in their upcoming game. The team will need to balance their offensive attack to improve their scoring efficiency.
Defensive Capabilities
The Jets’ defense proved to be a more reliable unit, ranking 3rd in opponent offensive yards allowed with just 5,334 yards. They also ranked 7th in sacks with 43, showcasing their ability to pressure the quarterback. Their secondary contributed with 7 interceptions, ranking 12th in the league.
In terms of turnover creation, the Jets ranked 5th with 10 fumbles recovered. Despite these strengths, they allowed 404 points, ranking 19th, suggesting room for improvement in red zone defense. The team will likely focus on tightening up their scoring defense in the upcoming game.
Preseason Performance
In the 2025 preseason, the Jets had mixed results. They secured a victory against the Green Bay Packers, winning 30-10, but suffered defeats to the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. These games highlighted both strengths and weaknesses that the team will aim to address.
Notably, their passing game was a highlight against the Packers, with 256 yards through the air. However, turnovers were a concern against the Eagles, where they fumbled three times. The team will need to minimize these mistakes to improve their performance in the regular season.
Key Injuries
The Jets face several injury challenges heading into their next game. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor is questionable with a knee injury, which could impact their offensive strategy. Other key players like Sauce Gardner and Chukwuma Okorafor are also listed as questionable, which could affect both defense and offensive line strength.
With Byron Cowart and Kris Boyd out for the season, depth in certain positions will be tested. The team will need to rely on their depth chart to fill these gaps effectively.
Betting Trends
- Jets ranked 3rd in opponent offensive yards allowed during 2024 regular season.
- Jets offense ranked 23rd in points scored during 2024 regular season.
- Jets had a mixed 2025 preseason performance with a notable win over the Packers.
- Injury concerns with key players could impact game outcomes.
The Pittsburgh Steelers: A Comprehensive Preview for the Upcoming Game
Quarterback Situation
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be led by Aaron Rodgers at the quarterback position. Rodgers, known for his precise passing and strong field vision, will look to orchestrate the Steelers’ offense efficiently. With Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as backups, the team has depth in the QB position.
Running Game Overview
Jaylen Warren is slated to be the primary running back for the Steelers. He will be supported by Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell, providing depth in the running back rotation. Warren’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds a versatile dimension to the Steelers’ offense.
Wide Receiver and Tight End Dynamics
DK Metcalf will headline the Steelers’ receiving corps, bringing a combination of size and speed. Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, and Scotty Miller will also play key roles in the passing game. Pat Freiermuth will be a primary target at tight end, alongside Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington.
Defensive Strategy
The Steelers’ defense is expected to be a formidable force with players like T.J. Watt leading the charge at linebacker. The defensive line, featuring Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton, will aim to disrupt the opponent’s offensive schemes. The secondary, anchored by Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr., will look to stifle the opposing team’s passing game.
Special Teams Contribution
Chris Boswell will handle the kicking duties, providing reliability in field goal situations. Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson are expected to contribute as return specialists, adding a potential spark in the return game. Special teams will play a crucial role in controlling field position throughout the game.
Injury Impact
The Steelers are dealing with several injuries, including key players like Dean Lowry and Donald Parham Jr. who are out for the season. The absence of these players may impact the team’s depth, particularly on the defensive line and tight end positions.
Betting Trends
- Steelers are 15th in scoring offense last season.
- Defense ranked 8th in opponent scoring.
- Steelers have a strong pass defense with 17 interceptions, ranking 3rd.
- The team is ranked 9th in sacks, showcasing an effective pass rush.
Jets vs Steelers Prediction: Steelers -3.0
The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2025 season with momentum, evidenced by their strong finish last year, ranking 8th in opponent score allowed and 3rd in passing interceptions. Facing a New York Jets team that struggled offensively, ranking 23rd in scoring, the Steelers’ defense is likely to impose its will at MetLife Stadium. With the spread at -3.0, the Steelers have a favorable chance to cover against a Jets team they defeated decisively last season.
The Jets have shown vulnerabilities in their defense, allowing 404 points last season, ranking 19th in the league. This presents an opportunity for the Steelers’ offense, which ranked 15th in scoring, to exploit these weaknesses. Considering the projected light rain, the Steelers’ strong rushing attack, ranked 11th, could be critical in controlling the game pace.
Historically, the Steelers have had success against the Jets, winning by substantial margins in recent meetings, including a 37-15 victory last year. Mike Tomlin’s experience and strategic acumen should provide the Steelers with an edge in game management. These factors collectively suggest the Steelers are well-positioned to cover the -3.0 spread.
On the other side, the Jets’ inconsistency on offense, with a rushing attack ranked 30th last season, further undermines their ability to challenge the Steelers’ defensive strength. The projected final score of this game supports a Steelers victory, potentially around 27-17, comfortably covering the spread.
- Jets vs Steelers Prediction: Steelers -3.0
- Jets vs Steelers Score: Steelers 27 – Jets 17
