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New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 7 preview: A must-win

Jets-Steelers, Will McDonald, T.J. Watt
Jets-Steelers, Will McDonald, T.J. Watt, Getty Images

As always, nothing is ever normal with the New York Jets.

After a crushing loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Jets were arguably at their lowest point of the season. The team had lost three straight games, with the defeats against the Denver Broncos and Bills being games New York should have arguably won.

However, the Jets found a way to create a spark amid their struggles.

At long last, New York landed star wideout Davante Adams in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a key addition to an offense that needed one more weapon to truly become a force for opposing defenses.

With Adams in the fold, New York could be very scary.

Now, that glimmer of hope has a chance to grow into something more. New York is not dead in the water just yet and still has a chance to get back into the thick of things this season.

Their first challenge is a Sunday Night Football showdown in the Steel City against the 4-2 Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh is making a change at quarterback, rolling with Russell Wilson as its starter despite Justin Fields’ success.

The door is open for the Jets to get back on track against the Steelers. Can they accomplish that goal? Or, will they falter once again? Follow along as we prepare you for the Jets’ Sunday night matchup.

New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 7 Preview
New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 7 Preview

Jets vs. Steelers Game Info

  • New York Jets (2-4)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
  • 2024 NFL Week 7
  • Sunday, October 20th, 8:20 p.m. EST
  • NBC
  • Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania

Are you going to wait all day until Sunday night? Well, the New York Jets are.

New York is set to face off against the upstart Steelers on Sunday Night Football for their Week 7 matchup. The game will air on NBC, and the broadcast team of Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth and Melissa Stark will be on the call.

For their away matchup, the Jets will wear their standard away uniform combination. New York will wear its green classic helmets, white jerseys, and white pants for its game against the Steelers.

Jets vs. Steelers Game History

  • Steelers lead the all-time series over the Jets 20-7-0

In their all-time matchup against each other, the Steelers have utterly dominated the Jets.

The Steelers have won 20 of 27 matchups. However, most of those victories came in the early years of the matchup. Pittsburgh has not won a game against the Jets since their 2016 matchup, which they won 31-13.

On the other hand, the Jets are 3-1 in their last four matchups against the Steelers. Their last matchup was back in 2022 when the Zach Wilson-led Jets came from behind and beat the Steelers.

Jets vs. Steelers Game Odds

Even after multiple losses in a row, the odds for this game remain in New York’s favor.

As of the writing of this article, the Jets are 2-point favorites over the Steelers (1.5-point favorites via FanDuel Sportsbook). The money favors the Jets, as they are -135 favorites compared to the Steelers at +114.

The over-under point total sits at an extremely low over/under of 39.

All of the numbers make complete sense. The spread should be narrow, considering the talent levels of these teams. Additionally, there is uncertainty surrounding both of them; the Steelers are starting a new quarterback in Russell Wilson, while it is a mystery how the Jets will operate the offense with Adams in the fold.

This applies to the spread, too. Pittsburgh has a great defense that could shut down the Jets’ offense for large portions of the game. On the other hand, the Jets could easily limit the damage Pittsburgh does on offense.

Overall, Vegas has likely predicted this game to a realistic extent. It remains to be seen, though, if it will actually play out like that.

Jets vs. Steelers Injury Report

  • CB Michael Carter II (Back) – Out
  • CB D.J. Reed (Groin) – Questionable
  • TE Tyler Conklin (Hip) – Questionable
  • LB Chazz Surratt (Heel)- Questionable

The Jets’ injury report heading into the Steelers’ game is pretty extensive, to put it lightly.

Star slot cornerback Michael Carter II is out with a back injury, which is a crushing blow for the team’s defense. Fellow cornerback D.J. Reed is questionable and a “game-time decision” with a groin injury.

Additionally, tight end Tyler Conklin is questionable with a hip injury, and linebacker Chazz Surratt is questionable with a heel injury.

The team’s secondary depth will likely be tested heavily against the Steelers. Isaiah Oliver, Brandin Echols, Jarrick Bernard-Converse and even Qwan’tez Stiggers may have to fill in for the team.

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • S Damontae Kazee (Ankle) – Questionable
  • LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring) – Out
  • C Zach Frazier (Ankle) – Out
  • RB Cordarrelle Patterson (Ankle) – Out
  • WR Roman Wilson (Hamstring) – Questionable
  • OT Dylan Cook (Knee, Foot) – Out

The Steelers are also ailing heading into Week 7. They are projected to be down two offensive linemen, including the talented rookie Frazier. They are also down a versatile weapon in Patterson and a productive linebacker in Herbig.

If they are down Kazee and Wilson, the backend of the secondary and the wide receiver room will have to step up. Against two areas of strength for the Jets, this could be a turning point in Sunday’s game.

Jets vs. Steelers Prediction

  • Jets beat the Steelers, 23-20

In the past few weeks, I have predicted that the Jets will win, but I have been proven wrong time and time again. They have massively underachieved on offense in some games and had let-down performances in others.

As a result, this is the last stand and a must-win for the Jets. They need to treat the game like their season is on the line. Every card must be unleashed, and every player must play to their potential. The offense needs to execute in all areas of the field. The defense must be stronger as a unit, specifically against the run.

Personally, I think the Jets can pull it off. They score enough on offense and see their defense pressure Russell Wilson consistently. However, there is a great chance that New York loses this game, drops to 2-5, and ultimately loses its season.

Everything is, and should be, on the line Sunday night. It all depends on if the Jets come to play, and I think they will. Give me the Jets by a score of 23-20.

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