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The NFL wasted no time delivering drama in Week 1. Aaron Rodgers returns to MetLife Stadium, but this time wearing black and gold. After a turbulent stint with the New York Jets that never lived up to the hype, the four-time MVP begins a new chapter as quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His opponent? The Jets themselves, now led by Justin Fields. The latter gets his shot at redemption as the new face of Rodgers’ old team. With two storylines colliding, fans should brace for an ugly but fascinating game.
Rodgers’ career with the Jets was supposed to be a fairytale ending. Instead, injuries and frustration turned it into a forgettable chapter. Now, at 41 years old, Rodgers gets the chance to prove he still belongs in the league’s top tier of quarterbacks. He has the advantage of working with Mike Tomlin. He is, of course, one of the NFL’s most consistent head coaches.Tomlin has never posted a losing record, and he has a defense that ranks among the league’s best. The question is simple: does Rodgers have enough left in the tank to make Pittsburgh a contender?
The Jets, meanwhile, are pivoting to a new era under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn. Fields takes over at quarterback, and while his time in Chicago was uneven, he enters New York with real weapons around him. These include Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and rookie tight end Mason Taylor. Glenn is building a defense-first identity, but the spotlight in Week 1 will shine squarely on Fields. Facing the veteran he replaced, in front of the Jets’ home crowd, it’s as high-pressure as debuts get.
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Here we will look at and discuss some bold predictions for the game between the Steelers and the Jets in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season.
It won’t always look pretty, but Rodgers should give the Steelers exactly what they need: efficiency and timely throws. After closing 2024 with 28 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions, he showed he still had flashes of brilliance left in him. With a rebuilt offensive line and a talented tight end group, Pittsburgh can put Rodgers in position to succeed without asking him to carry the entire load.
Rodgers’ mobility is limited, though. His Achilles injury and age mean he won’t be extending plays like he once did. Still, in this offense, he won’t need to. Expect him to throw for over 250 yards with one or two touchdowns. He will prove he can still manage games and give the Steelers a chance to win every week. For a franchise that prides itself on defense and discipline, that’s more than enough.
Justin Fields is stepping into a difficult situation. That said, the Jets have given him more to work with than he had in Chicago. Wilson...
