Jets vs. Steelers Betting Preview | Week 1 2025

(Odds via Caesars Sportsbook and subject to change)

New York Jets Spread vs. Steelers: +3.0 (-115) via Fanatics Sportsbook

The best way to back the Jets on Sunday is with the spread. Pittsburgh went 0-5 (1-4-0 ATS), including their playoff loss, to close the 2024 season. The Steelers’ offense was the main culprit in those pitfalls, and that same group has just as many questions heading into this year.

Pittsburgh’s QB room is completely different. The Steelers traded their top wide receiver away and brought in DK Metcalf as the replacement. Najee Harris’ guaranteed 1,000+ rushing yards and 6+ rushing TDs left Western Pennsylvania for the West Coast.

All of that skill position player turnover isn’t nearly as notable or significant as a tenuous offensive line. The Steelers have four question marks flanking sturdy center Zach Frazier. The New York Jets’ defense should be able to contain the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense, especially at home.

The Jets have plenty of offensive concerns as well, namely under center with former Steeler and current Jets starter Justin Fields. Pittsburgh’s defense is also tough and could pose a significant challenge to New York’s offense.

This should be a low-scoring affair, which favors a tighter finish. That makes the Jets’ spread the top side bet to back. However, the best bet for Sunday leans into the likelihood of a low-scoring tilt.

Jets vs. Steelers Total Pick: Under 38.5 (-110) via Caesars Sportsbook

Both of these offenses were rough last year and project to struggle again this season despite changes under center.

For the Jets, they’re coming off a season where they were 24th in yards and scoring. New York’s plan to rejuvenate the offense starts on the ground, but the Steelers’ defense finished fifth in yards allowed per rush attempt and sixth in rushing yards allowed overall. Pittsburgh was a top-ten scoring defense a year ago and feels like an improved group.

This probably won’t be the week where the Jets’ offense delivers on the improvements it advertised.

Meanwhile, the Steelers’ offense finished 23rd in total yards and 26th in yards per play last season. A league-leading 33 takeaways dragged Pittsburgh to 16th in scoring. As mentioned before, the offensive line is shaky, and there are plenty of moving parts elsewhere.

When the 2024 Steelers crashed into the offseason, five of their final six games finished under the total because their offense averaged 16.3 points in that stretch.

Although New York’s defense ended 2024 20th in scoring, this is a group that held opponents to the third-fewest yards per play. Facing a weak offense and hopefully getting a boost from a run-heavy offense that keeps them well-rested, the Jets’ defensive unit should have a strong afternoon.

Don’t come into Steelers vs. Jets expecting a shootout.

New York Jets Prop Bet of the Week: First Half Under 19.5 Points (+100) via FanDuel Sportsbook

Continue to fade the offenses by anticipating a slow start on Sunday. This could also serve as an alternative to the full game total thanks to a higher potential payout and quicker result.

Both teams are built on the back of defenses that limit rushing yards exceptionally well. Winning those early downs will force unfavorable third-down scenarios for the opposing offenses, and punts should ensue.

Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers will struggle getting into a rhythm with their new teams early on.

This line implies that both teams enter the half with at least 10 points. Would anyone be surprised if neither side had double digits at halftime?

The first half under is a strong prop for this game, especially with plus odds.