NFL Game Odds: Jets at Steelers SNF | After Week 6, the New York Jets surprisingly let head coach Robert Saleh go, despite the fact that his defense had the Jets in just about every game so far this season.
They were 2-3 at the time, and the most common response after the team’s decision was that quarterback Aaron Rodgers must have gone to the owner and complained about Saleh’s leadership.
A week after Saleh’s firing, though, the Jets looked much the same – the defense kept the team in the game, but offensive failures kept the Jets from beating the opponent – this time, the Buffalo Bills.
Later in the game, Rodgers made some comments about wide receiver Mike Williams, seeming to blame Williams for the interception that ended up deciding the game.
Former Jets quarterback and current NFL analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick pointed out on X that Rodgers:
This response is the biggest thing I don’t understand about Aaron….can be super charismatic, his swagger gives teammates the ultimate confidence BUT
— Ryan Fitzpatrick (@FitzMagic_14) October 15, 2024
why can’t he shoulder ALL the blame in the media and then get behind closed doors with Mike Williams or the whole offense or the… pic.twitter.com/JyEhoX1DVP
That lack of leadership will resonate with the team, and it will be interesting to see how they respond as the Jets, once again, play in prime time, this time in Pittsburgh.
Don’t lock in your sports betting on this game until you’ve read our prediction.
NFL Game Odds: Jets vs Steelers SNF in Week 7 | NFL 2024/25 Season
When: SNF, October 20, 2024, 8:20 pm ET
Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh
TV: NBC
Radio: Westwood One
Live Stream: Peacock
Opening NFL Game Odds Subject to Change: Pittsburgh -1.5 / O/U 38.5
New York Jets SNF Pick -124
Aaron Rodgers has now thrown four Hail Mary touchdown passes in his career, an NFL best. He pulled one out at halftime against the Bills, trimming a ten-point deficit to three with a 52-yard bomb. The Bills had already lost two in a row and had to be contemplating whether Rodgers’ matic would send them to their first three-game skid since Josh Allen took over the starting quarterback job.
After Saleh’s Firing
Instead, it would turn into the third straight loss for the Jets, who still struggled on offense despite defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich taking over as interim head coach and Todd Downing taking over the play-calling from offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Also, kicker Greg Zuerlein, normally a steady hand, clanked two possible go-ahead field goals for the Jets off the left upright. The chaos also included a total of 22 penalties, 11 on each team.
It was Rodgers’ deep ball for Williams that let the Bills seal the game. The pass ended up short, and Taron Johnson dove to get the interception over the fallen Williams, who went into the medical tent for evaluation for a head injury in the aftermath.
Rodgers went 23 of 35 for 294 yards and two scores (as well as that late pick). Tailback Breece Hall ran for 113 yards and had 56 receiving yards. The Jets’ defense held the Bills to just three points in the second half, but they were only able to muster a single field goal themselves.
Jets Favorites?
If you’re wondering why they’re going to Pittsburgh as road favorites, it’s because the Steelers’ offense has been even less consistent. If you like the Jets here, you see Rodgers’ leadership and talent doing enough to find receivers down the field, and you see the Steelers’ offense as less bruising than Buffalo’s.
^"I'll be able to roll on Sunday." – @tae15adams pic.twitter.com/UQUpZrIQpB
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 16, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers SNF Pick +102
The Steelers prepare for the Jets with a 4-2 record and have the momentum of a 32-13 walloping of the Las Vegas Raiders out on the strip last week. Najee Harris shook off what has been a slow start to the 2024 season with his first 100-yard game, ending with 106 on the day, including a 36-yard touchdown. He had only been averaging 3.3 yards per carry before Week 6, but he showed up looking like his, 2023 self for the first time on Sunday.
Justin Fields
Quarterback Fields ran for 59 yards and two touchdowns, but only threw for 145. Now with Russell Wilson getting activated, Fields will need to up his game to hold onto his starting job – and he did it in Vegas, getting the Steelers to their highest point total in a game since they beat Cincinnati, 34-11, on December 23.
In Weeks 1-3, the Pittsburgh defense allowed only 687 yards total. Despite recent struggles, they bounced back by holding the Raiders to 275 yards. T.J. Watt, a four-time All-Pro, made two tackles for loss and forced two fumbles. The defense ranks second in the NFL, allowing only 14.3 points per game and no points in the third quarter.
ATS to Consider
In Pittsburgh, the Steelers have a strong record in Week 7 games, often winning the first half at home against AFC teams. However, the underdogs have had success at Acrisure Stadium recently. The Jets struggle on the road after AFC East losses and as favorites following a home loss.
If you are a fan of the Steelers, you may have observed the Bills’ running success against New York last week. It’s uncertain until a starting quarterback is chosen, but Fields could exploit the Jets’ locker room issues.
^This is why the guys in the locker room love Justin Fields. As real as it gets. https://t.co/NOfbJvWxkI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 17, 2024
NFL Game Odds: Jets at Steelers SNF Final Score and Prediction
The Steelers have arguments to start both Fields and Wilson on Sunday. Fields has been responsible for every touchdown the Steelers have scored through their first six games, except for Harris’ third-quarter run last week.
He leads all quarterbacks with five touchdowns on the ground and ranks fourth in quarterback rushing yards. He’s the best running quarterback the Steelers have had since Kordell Stewart, who ran for 11 scores back in 1997.
Injuries
Fields’ mobility is a plus, especially when your offensive line has injuries – and the Steelers already lost starting right tackle Troy Fautanu and right guard James Daniels for the season. Center Zach Frazier (ankle) will not play against the Jets – and Wilson isn’t nearly as mobile. Fields also has a 5:1 TD:INT ratio. He completed 40% of his passes that traveled at least 20 yards through the air last season, and over the last three years, his QBR (52) is better than Wilson’s (45).
Wilson is favored by head coach Mike Tomlin as the starting quarterback due to his top position on the depth chart. With a high completion rate of 66.4% in his last season, Wilson could improve the passing game averaging only 166.8 yards per game. Fields struggled with a combined 57% completion rate in recent games, leaving the decision in Tomlin’s hands.
I see the Steelers winning either way – 20-16 if Fields is the quarterback, and 27-20 if Wilson gets the start. The Jets will struggle to finish drives again this week, and the Steelers’ running game will keep the Jets’ defense on the field.
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