New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | NFL Season Week 1 | Sep 7, 2025
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The New York Jets (0-0) and Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0) open their 2025 campaigns at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on CBS, featuring commentators like Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, and Melanie Collins on the sidelines. Streaming options include Paramount+ for local markets, NFL+ for mobile and in-market viewers, and Fubo, which offers a free trial for fans looking to watch alongside other Week 1 games. Local radio coverage is available on ESPN New York 98.7 FM for Jets fans, with Bob Wischusen and Marty Lyons calling the action, and on WDVE 102.5 FM or WBGG 970 AM in Pittsburgh, with Bill Hillgrove and Craig Wolfley on the call. National listeners can access the game on SiriusXM (channels 226 for Jets, 382 for Steelers) or Westwood One.
This Week 1 clash marks the first regular-season meeting between the Jets and Steelers since 2022, when New York pulled off a 24-20 upset in Pittsburgh. Tickets, available through Ticketmaster, StubHub, and the Steelers’ official website, are in high demand as fans anticipate a competitive game in the iconic Acrisure Stadium atmosphere, where the “Terrible Towels” will be waving in full force.
The Rivalry: Jets vs. Steelers
The Jets and Steelers have a storied history dating back to 1970, with Pittsburgh leading the all-time series 20-8, including a 2-1 postseason edge. Their most memorable encounter was the 2010 AFC Championship Game, where the Steelers won 24-19 en route to a Super Bowl appearance. The Jets, however, have had recent success, winning two of the last three meetings, including a 24-20 victory in 2022 led by Zach Wilson’s late-game heroics. The 2024 season saw no matchup between the two, making this Week 1 game a fresh opportunity to renew their rivalry.
The Jets, coming off a 10-7 season in 2024 that secured a wild-card berth, are led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Robert Saleh, who aim to end a 14-year playoff win drought. The Steelers, who finished 10-7 in 2024 and made the playoffs under Mike Tomlin, rely on a revitalized offense and a ferocious defense. This game pits New York’s high-powered attack against Pittsburgh’s physical, disciplined style, setting the stage for a classic AFC battle.
New York Jets: Chasing a Deep Playoff Run
The Jets enter 2025 with sky-high expectations after a breakout 2024 season that saw them reach the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Aaron Rodgers, fully healthy, threw for 4,042 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 66.8% completion rate, reestablishing himself as an elite quarterback. Running back Breece Hall led the ground game with 1,296 yards and nine touchdowns, while wide receiver Garrett Wilson emerged as a star, recording 95 catches for 1,314 yards and 11 touchdowns. The offense ranked eighth in total yards (351.2 per game) and sixth in scoring (26.4 points per game) under offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
Defensively, the Jets were elite, ranking fourth in total defense (304.9 yards allowed per game) and third against the pass (189.6 yards allowed). Cornerback Sauce Gardner and linebacker Quincy Williams led a unit that forced 24 turnovers (sixth in the NFL). The offseason saw New York draft offensive tackle Olu Fashanu and safety Malachi Corley to bolster both lines, addressing their 16th-ranked run defense (112.3 yards allowed per game). With a 2025 schedule featuring early games against Buffalo and Miami, a road win in Pittsburgh is crucial for establishing AFC contender status.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Aiming for AFC North Supremacy
The Steelers’ 2024 season was a success, finishing 10-7 and earning a wild-card berth under Mike Tomlin’s steady leadership. Quarterback Russell Wilson, revitalized in Pittsburgh, threw for 3,562 yards, 21 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while adding 356 rushing yards. Running back Najee Harris led the team with 1,204 yards and 10 touchdowns, and wide receiver George Pickens added 1,147 yards and seven touchdowns on 72 catches. The offense ranked 14th in total yards (335.7 per game) under new coordinator Arthur Smith, who emphasized a physical, run-heavy approach.
Defensively, the Steelers were dominant, ranking sixth in total defense (310.8 yards allowed per game) and second against the run (94.2 yards allowed). Linebacker T.J. Watt, with 11.5 sacks in 2024, and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick led a unit that excelled at creating pressure (+5 turnover margin, eighth in the NFL). The offseason saw Pittsburgh draft defensive end Chop Robinson and cornerback Cam Hart to deepen their defense, aiming to counter the Jets’ explosive passing game. With a tough 2025 schedule featuring Baltimore and Cleveland early, a home win is vital for maintaining AFC North momentum.
Key Matchups to Watch
This game will be decided by several critical matchups that highlight the strengths and challenges of both teams:
- Aaron Rodgers vs. T.J. Watt: Rodgers’ quick decision-making will face Watt’s relentless pass rush. The Jets’ offensive line, led by Tyron Smith and rookie Olu Fashanu, must protect Rodgers to allow him to target Wilson and Davante Adams.
- Garrett Wilson vs. Steelers’ Secondary: Wilson’s speed and route-running will test Pittsburgh’s secondary, led by Joey Porter Jr. and rookie Cam Hart. Limiting Wilson’s deep targets is crucial to containing New York’s offense.
- Breece Hall vs. Steelers’ Run Defense: Hall’s dynamic running will challenge Pittsburgh’s second-ranked run defense. If the Jets establish the ground game, it could open up play-action opportunities for Rodgers.
- Russell Wilson vs. Jets’ Secondary: Wilson’s deep-ball accuracy will test New York’s third-ranked pass defense. Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed must contain Pickens to prevent big plays.
Historical Context and Stakes
The Jets and Steelers have a competitive history, with Pittsburgh holding a 20-8 series lead but New York winning recent matchups. The 2022 upset in Pittsburgh showcased the Jets’ potential under Saleh, while the Steelers’ 2010 playoff win remains a defining moment. This 2025 opener is only the third time the teams have met in Week 1, with Pittsburgh winning 16-13 in 1989. The game carries significant weight in the AFC, where both teams face crowded playoff races in their divisions—the Jets in the AFC East and the Steelers in the AFC North.
For New York, a road victory would signal their readiness to compete with the AFC’s elite and provide momentum for a challenging early schedule. For Pittsburgh, a home win would reinforce their status as AFC North contenders and set the tone for divisional battles. With both teams facing 2024 playoff teams like the Chiefs and Dolphins in the coming weeks, this game is a critical early test.
Fan Experience and Atmosphere
Acrisure Stadium will be rocking as Steelers fans wave their “Terrible Towels,” creating a hostile environment for the Jets. The “Steel City” faithful will bring unmatched energy, amplified by pregame festivities like “Steelers Nation Unite” at 10:00 AM ET on KDKA-TV. Jets fans, known for their passionate road support, will add a splash of green to the black-and-gold sea. The Steelers will wear their classic black jerseys with gold pants, a nod to their storied tradition.
Tickets, available through Ticketmaster, StubHub, and steelers.com, are selling quickly due to the excitement surrounding Rodgers and Wilson. Fans unable to attend can follow along on social media, with the NFL, Jets, and Steelers accounts on platforms like X providing real-time updates and highlights. NFL Network’s Schedule Release ’25 on May 14, 2025, offers additional analysis of this game and the full season slate.
Predictions and Expectations
Early projections from FanDuel Sportsbook favor the Steelers by 3.5 points, reflecting their home-field advantage and defensive prowess. The over/under is set at 43 points, suggesting a competitive game with moderate scoring potential. Pittsburgh’s ability to pressure Rodgers and control the trenches could give them an edge, but New York’s explosive offense and elite defense make them a formidable opponent.
Analysts expect a hard-fought battle, with the Steelers’ physicality potentially wearing down the Jets late. The prediction: a 23-20 Steelers victory, with Russell Wilson connecting on a late field-goal drive to secure the win, though the Jets keep it close with a strong effort from Rodgers and Hall.
How to Watch and Follow Along
- Date and Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+ (mobile/local), Fubo (free trial)
- Radio: ESPN New York 98.7 FM (New York); WDVE 102.5 FM, WBGG 970 AM (Pittsburgh); SiriusXM (226 for Jets, 382 for Steelers), Westwood One
- Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster, StubHub, and steelers.com
Fans can stay engaged through the Jets and Steelers mobile apps, offering live stats, scores, and breaking news. The official team websites (newyorkjets.com and steelers.com) provide game blogs and postgame breakdowns for in-depth coverage.
The Jets vs. Steelers Week 1 clash on September 7, 2025, is a thrilling AFC battle that showcases two teams with playoff ambitions and elite talent. With New York’s high-powered offense facing Pittsburgh’s physical defense, this game promises to be a captivating start to the 2025 NFL season. From the star power of Rodgers, Hall, Wilson, and Watt to the electric atmosphere at Acrisure Stadium, this matchup has all the ingredients for a memorable opener. Whether you’re watching on CBS, streaming on Paramount+, or cheering in the stands, get ready for an exciting showdown as these teams battle for an early edge in the AFC.
