Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets 2025 Week 1 Game Predictions: Who will come out on top in the ultimate game of revenge?
See who our staff is picking ahead of the ultimate game of revenge in Week 1.
Despite what players and coaches will say in front of the camera, revenge games are a very real thing in the NFL. Usually, they are one-sided. A coach returning to play his former team. A QB who was let go, making the start against a franchise he once played for.
But Sunday’s game between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers is the rare double-revenge game. Remember, not only is Aaron Rodgers making his return to Florham Park, Justin Fields is taking on the team that wouldn’t guarantee his future.
The best game of the early slate in the eyes of many, I reached out to some of my colleagues at A to Z Sports to gauge what direction everyone thinks this game will go. Here are four final predictions for Sunday’s game between the Jets and Steelers.
Prediction No. 1: Steelers win 18-15
If you’re coming looking for points, that might not be your best bet. Both sides are dealing with injuries that will cancel each other out. The Steelers will be without DT Derrick Harmon, while the Jets will be missing their best interior player, Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Two teams that want to run the ball and play defense, another important factor here is chemistry. The Steelers’ first team offense has yet to play together. Sunday will be Aaron Rodgers’ debut with the Steelers. A slow start is sure to happen, but the better overall team pulls it out in a street fight. 18-15 Steelers win.
-Rob Gregson
Prediction No.2: Steelers win 17-13
“This matchup is intriguing on plenty of levels, particularly with the Aaron Rodgers angle. That being said, this game could turn into a battle of defenses rather quickly. Both units have plenty of talent from the trenches through to the secondary. I won’t be shocked if both teams feel a tad queasy (yet still hopeful) about their offenses following this season opener. . .
” . . .I do think it may take some time for Pittsburgh’s offense to impress, but I’m higher on them from a season-long perspective than some other people. I’ll lean in their direction for this game as well, simply because I don’t trust the Jets offensive line against this Steelers defensive line following the loss of Alijah Vera-Tucker.”
– Adam Holt
Prediction No.3: Steelers win 27-17
“Who doesn’t love a revenge game? The Jets vs. Steelers give us battling starting QBs who will be looking to beat their former teams. Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields swapped teams this offseason and both will be looking to show their former team they made a mistake moving on from them. . .
” . . .I think the Steelers have the clear better roster and Mike Tomlin’s vast experience as a head coach gives him a clear advantage over Aaron Glenn who is heading into his first ever regular season game as a head coach. I could see the Jets hanging around early but even with this game at home I think there is too much of a talent gap on the field and the sideline for them to overcome. I’ll take the Steelers to win by two scores.”
– Destin Adams
Prediction No. 4: Steelers win 20-13
“It’s hard to know what to expect from the Steelers’ offense when it’s two biggest players, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf, didn’t play during preseason. You also have to consider the fact that Rodgers didn’t join the team until June. However, we do know Pittsburgh’s defense brings to the table. . .
” . . I don’t believe the Jets improved their roster enough to move the needle from 2024, and they have a first-time head coach. The Steelers’ offense won’t be polished, but it will do enough to secure a Week 1 win over New York.”
-Nick Roesch
Pittsburgh Steelers News
Justin Fields shares his true feelings on what it means to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1
He’s ready for the challenge.
