Jets at Steelers: Preview, Predictions, and More
New York Jets vs Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s a season on the edge for the New York Jets as they head to Heinz Field for this Week 5 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. They enter the game reeling at 1-3, following a 27-17 loss to the Seahawks at MetLife Stadium. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw three more interceptions in that game, making it nine over his last two outings. He will be looking to turn things around on Sunday and help the Jets to a tough but much needed victory.
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It’s a much different story for the Steelers, who enter the game tied for the lead in the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens. Their 3-1 record comes off of a beatdown of the Kansas City Chiefs last week, 43-14. Big Ben looked sharp, throwing for 300 yards and five touchdowns, while Antonio Brown did his thing, with two touchdown receptions. It was a welcome back to the NFL for Le’Veon Bell, as he posted 144 yards on just 18 carries, in a sheer dominant performance by the Pittsburgh offense.
Both of these teams have the talent to win on Sunday. But the question is if the visiting Jets can get back on track or if the Steelers will keep rolling at home.
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Keys To Victory
Simply put, the Jets need to get back to basics on offense. They must protect the football and convert touchdowns. No team will win with all of those turnovers. They just won’t. They must play a clean game and win the turnover battle. On the touchdowns, aside from a freakish fumble recovery by Charon Peake, the Jets have scored one touchdown over the last two games. That has to change.
On defense, they must limit the big plays. Each week, there has been a play over the top of the Jets’ defense. With players like Antonio Brown, Sammie Coates (averaging over 20 yards per reception), and Markus Wheaton, the big play is a possibility on every down. The Jets may have to defend this big-play offense without Darrelle Revis, who was held out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday. According to the team press release, he will be a game-time decision.
For Pittsburgh, they just need to keep doing what they do best. Other than an injured Sammy Watkins, the Jets have proven they can cover, well, nobody so far in 2016. The secondary has been a liability. Get Antonio Brown and company down the field and push the ball against the Jets. Do it until they prove they can stop it. That will open up holes for Le’Veon Bell, who will welcome the openings against a tough defensive line.
Odds
Point Spread: Pittsburgh -7.5
Moneyline: Pittsburgh -340, New York +270
Over/Under: 48
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Prediction
This is a must-win for the Jets. Their season is rapidly heading for the toilet bowl, and a loss here could make things come undone. They will be fired up. But in this one, I just think the Steelers’ offense is going to be too much. Pittsburgh will win it going away.
Pick: New York Jets: 14, Pittsburgh Steelers: 38