Jets and Steelers for Key AFC North Showdown
A High-Stakes Exhibition Kicks Off the NFL Preseason
The NFL is back, and it returns with a bang. On Sunday, September 7, 2025, all eyes will be on 🏈 Jets and Steelers, as these two iconic AFC franchises square off in a much-anticipated Preseason Week 1 clash. The game is set for a 1:00 PM ET kickoff, with football fans tuning in from across the nation to watch two playoff hopefuls begin their journeys.
While it’s only the preseason, both the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers enter 2025 with serious aspirations. With loaded defenses, evolving offenses, and quarterback rooms full of intrigue, this game could serve as a strong indicator of what’s to come when the regular season begins.
Let’s break down everything you need to know—from key storylines and players to watch, to historical matchups and game-day viewing details—all centered around the main keyword 🏈 Jets and Steelers.
📅 Game Information
- Matchup: 🏈 Jets and Steelers
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
- TV Broadcast: NFL Network (national), CBS (regional)
- Streaming: NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu Live, fuboTV
- Radio: WFAN 660 AM (Jets), 102.5 WDVE (Steelers)
- Tickets: as low as $165
🏈 Jets and Steelers: A New Chapter in AFC Rivalry
The Jets and Steelers have crossed paths numerous times throughout NFL history, with a rivalry marked by physical defense and gritty playoff implications. While Sunday’s game won’t count in the standings, don’t expect either team to treat it lightly.
The New York Jets are entering a make-or-break season with Aaron Rodgers back healthy and a young core on the rise. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers, still under Mike Tomlin’s unwavering leadership, continue to build around third-year quarterback Kenny Pickett while boasting one of the league’s top defenses.
Both rosters are deep. Both franchises are hungry. And both fanbases want to see immediate signs of progress in this key preseason test.
🛫 New York Jets 2025 Outlook: All-In on the Present
After Rodgers’ 2024 season ended before it began, the Jets regrouped and managed a respectable 9-8 finish. But expectations in 2025 are higher than ever.
Key Jets Storylines
- Aaron Rodgers Returns: The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer is healthy, vocal, and driven for one last shot.
- Garrett Wilson Ascending: After a 1,400-yard campaign, the third-year WR is poised for superstardom.
- Offensive Line Health: With past injury concerns, protection will be a point of focus all preseason.
- Backup QB Watch: Rookie Malachi Nelson out of USC will get his first real NFL reps.
On defense, the Jets are as nasty as they come. With Quinnen Williams, Sauce Gardner, and CJ Mosley, the unit aims to rank top 3 in 2025.
🏔️ Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Outlook: Evolving Without Losing Identity
The Steelers continue to defy the odds by remaining competitive every year, even during rebuilds. With Mike Tomlin entering his 19th season, Pittsburgh is doubling down on youth development and physicality.
Key Steelers Storylines
- Kenny Pickett’s Time: Year three is critical for Pickett to solidify himself as the long-term answer.
- New Coordinator, New Offense: OC Zac Robinson brings a McVay-inspired scheme emphasizing timing, motion, and play-action.
- George Pickens Emerges: The third-year wideout is WR1 and showing dominance in camp.
- Rookie Spotlight: All eyes are on first-round pick Marvin Banks (LT) and third-round RB Jahari Brooks.
Defensively, Pittsburgh remains elite. With T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Joey Porter Jr., this is a defense that can win games outright.
🧠 Coaching Preview: Saleh vs. Tomlin
Meanwhile, Mike Tomlin remains the gold standard for consistency. He’s never had a losing season, and his ability to adjust and motivate is unmatched.
This preseason chess match between defensive-minded head coaches promises physical football, fast evaluations, and no tolerance for mental errors.
🔥 Key Matchups to Watch
1. Jets Offensive Line vs. Steelers Front Seven
The Steelers’ front is among the most feared in football. T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cam Heyward will challenge the Jets’ retooled offensive line, especially on passing downs.
2. Jets WRs vs. Steelers DBs
Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, and rookie Xavier Worthy vs. Joey Porter Jr., Levi Wallace, and Minkah Fitzpatrick? That’s must-see TV—even in preseason.
3. Backup Quarterbacks
Jets rookie Malachi Nelson vs. Steelers’ Mason Rudolph and John Rhys Plumlee. Expect extended reps for these QBs starting in the second quarter.
4. RB Room Rotation
The Steelers are looking to balance Najee Harris with dynamic rookie Jahari Brooks. The Jets, meanwhile, will spotlight Israel Abanikanda behind Breece Hall.
👀 Players to Watch – 🏈 Jets and Steelers
New York Jets
- Aaron Rodgers (QB) – May play just one drive, but fans will be watching every throw.
- Malachi Nelson (QB) – The future at the position could be on display.
- Garrett Wilson (WR) – Shouldn’t need many snaps to make an impact.
- Will McDonald IV (EDGE) – Looking to take a leap in Year 2.
- Zaire Barnes (LB) – Underrated depth piece getting meaningful reps.
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Kenny Pickett (QB) – Will he showcase improved poise and decision-making?
- George Pickens (WR) – Could burn the Jets’ secondary with deep routes.
- Jahari Brooks (RB) – Explosive rookie who could climb the depth chart fast.
- Marvin Banks (LT) – Will be tested against New York’s edge rushers.
- Keeanu Benton (DT) – A potential breakout disruptor on defense.
📊 Depth Chart Battles
Jets
- QB2: Malachi Nelson vs. Trevor Siemian
- WR4-5: Randall Cobb, Jason Brownlee, and Xavier Worthy
- Nickel CB: Michael Carter II vs. Brandin Echols
Steelers
- LT: Marvin Banks vs. Dan Moore Jr.
- RB2: Jahari Brooks vs. Jaylen Warren
- CB2/Slot: Levi Wallace vs. Darius Rush
📺 How to Watch the Game Live
Fans can tune in nationally and locally using multiple options:
- TV Broadcast: NFL Network (National), CBS (Local)
- Streaming Services:
- NFL+ (mobile/tablet)
- fuboTV
- YouTube TV
- Hulu Live
- Radio Broadcast:
- Jets: WFAN 660 AM
- Steelers: 102.5 WDVE
- Replays: NFL Game Pass (international users)
🏟️ Game Day at Acrisure Stadium
Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium will be packed with energy. With scenic river views and a raucous fan base, this venue remains one of the toughest in the league—even for preseason.
- Gates Open: 2 hours prior to kickoff
- Parking Lots: Open at 9:00 AM
- Weather Forecast: 72°F, partly cloudy
- In-Stadium Features: Live music, Steelers alumni appearances, fan games
📈 Series History – Jets and Steelers
- All-Time Record: Steelers lead 21–6
- Last Meeting: Jets won 20–17 (Week 4, 2022)
- Preseason Record: Steelers lead 4–2
- Most Memorable Moment: 2010 AFC Championship Game – Steelers defeated Jets 24–19 to advance to Super Bowl XLV.
Though lopsided historically, the Jets have won 2 of the last 3 regular-season meetings, and tension between these rosters continues to grow.
🗣️ Predictions – Who Has the Edge?
Final Score: Steelers 20, Jets 17
While both teams are expected to limit starters’ reps, Pittsburgh’s defensive depth and stable offensive line give them the edge.
- MVP: Jahari Brooks (PIT) – 9 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD
- Breakout Player: Malachi Nelson (NYJ) – 11/15, 118 yards, 1 TD
- Turning Point: Pick-6 by Steelers rookie CB Darius Rush in the third quarter
🔑 Keys to the Game
- Limit Turnovers – Backup QBs must avoid costly errors.
- Establish the Run – Both teams want to control tempo and evaluate RB rotations.
- Test Young Corners – Especially important with aggressive WRs on both sides.
- Watch the Trenches – Battle-tested defensive lines will challenge new-look O-lines.
- Special Teams Focus – Rookie kickers and returners could swing momentum.
📌 A Preseason Classic in the Making?
Despite being a Week 1 preseason matchup, the 🏈 Jets and Steelers clash feels like a tone-setter for the 2025 season. Two proud franchises. Two iconic coaches. And rosters loaded with young, hungry talent.
Whether you’re watching to see Aaron Rodgers return, Kenny Pickett’s growth, or the next wave of breakout stars, this game delivers on excitement, evaluation, and football at its rawest form.
As the Jets and Steelers begin their campaigns, the rest of the league will be watching—because even in the preseason, this one matters.
