The Steelers haven’t given us much to work with here in preseason game two. We know that the starters are not going to play, so don’t expect to see Aaron Rodgers. Both Michael Pittman and DK Metcalf are nursing injuries anyway. The one thing coach Mike McCarthy has confirmed is that Will Howard will start - the rest of the lineup is up in the air. Promising rookie Drew Allar will also play as they are set to rotate quarters. 

On the flip side, Geno Smith is expected to start despite a lingering ankle issue. Breece Hall is dealing with a groin injury, so he has been ruled out, and Garrett Wilson has been out with a stomach bug this week, so his availability is in question as well. Rookie first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq has yet to play coming off hernia surgery, so we won’t see him yet either. But the reason the Jets are likely favored here is the chance they actually run the rest of the starters out there against the Steelers backups. 

🏅 Jets vs. Steelers Expert Pick: Steelers Moneyline (+120) (Use Polymarket To Trade On Anything)

We usually do like to lean into the team with the starters going whenever possible. In this instance, however, the Jets are likely going to be without the majority of their meaningful weapons. And they also will likely be rolling out a deeper parade of quarterbacks, going from Geno to some combination of Cade Klubnik, Brady Coop, and Bailey Zappe as they progress through the game. 

The Steelers, on the other hand, plan to stick to two quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers is the starter, but Mason Rudolph is also being set aside as the veteran backup. That has resulted in a serious battle for the “development QB” spot on the roster between Will Howard and Drew Allar. The Steelers like Howard around the clubhouse, but Allar flashed the raw talent that didn’t quite fully bloom during his time at Penn State. I not only like these two quarterbacks in this heated competition, but the quarter-by-quarter rotation could lead to more in-game continuity and rhythm for these guys. I think the Steelers can put together a more cohesive game with that strategy. 

 

 

 

👀 How To Watch Jets vs. Steelers NFL Preseason Week 2

  • Where: Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA
  • When: 7 PM ET on 8/21
  • Watch on TV: NFL Network
  • Where to stream: NFL+

🔢 Jets vs. Steelers Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

 

 

 

🏉 Jets vs. Steelers Injury Report & Latest News

New York Jets: QB Geno Smith missed the first game with ankle soreness but is expected to play some in tonight’s game. Coach Aaron Glenn says the ankle "is not to a point where he can't go," but obviously caution will override anything else in the game. As we mentioned earlier, a few other Jets offensive players' statuses are in question, including Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers saw a number of players missing practice this week, including both starting wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr and DK Metcalf (not that they would necessarily play anyway with most starters resting). It’s also worth noting that four of their cornerbacks, Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr, Brandin Echoles, and Daylen Everette, have missed some work this week with various ailments. 

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