Although the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets are both expected to play some of their starters when they meet at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Friday at 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network), young QBs are likely to be the focal point of the matchup.
New York is a 1.5-point road favorite, as Pittsburgh has already announced that neither Aaron Rodgers nor Mason Rudolph will play. But my Jets vs. Steelers prediction and NFL picks back Mike McCarthy's team to win a second straight preseason game behind its defensive depth.
Jets vs Steelers prediction
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Who will win Jets vs Steelers: Steelers moneyline
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn wasn't exactly clear when asked who would play against the Pittsburgh Steelers. "The players are going to play," he said. "Things can change as we get closer to game time."
That seems to imply Geno Smith and Co. will be on the field, but for how long? New York is already dealing with injuries to star Breece Hall and first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq, so that could mean playing it safe and going to the backups after a drive or two.
The Steelers are also expected to play a few starters, with second-year QB Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar likely both playing a half. The pair combined to go 17-for-22 for 239 passing yards and three total TDs in Week 1 of the preseason.
However, the Steelers' defense should make the difference. Pittsburgh's backups dismantled the Green Bay Packers' second- and third-string O-line last week to the tune of five sacks and seven TFLs while holding them to six points after the starters were pulled.
Jets rookie QB Cade Klubnik could be in for a long night.
Jets vs Steelers Over/Under pick: Under 36.5
New York's QB room is uninspiring, especially once Smith is pulled. Klubnik took just eight dropbacks last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and there wasn't much to take away from the performance. His biggest play came on a throw when Garrett Wilson bailed him out with a great catch.
This week will be a different story with the Steelers' second-string defense full of proven veterans who shut down the Packers' backups last week. Klubnik, Brady Cook, and Bailey Zappe managed just 16 points against the Buccaneers' backups a week ago.
And while Howard and Allar offer a little more upside, both took advantage of a vanilla Packers defense in Week 1 that was constantly being called for holding and DPI. Pittsburgh's second- and third-string offense is predominantly made up of rookies, and that youth could hurt the team's ability to score consistently.
The Under has been a strong bet in the preseason, going 12-4 in Week 1.
Jets vs Steelers live odds
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Jets vs Steelers weather
While weather isn't expected to have much impact during the game, rain in Pittsburgh earlier in the day could affect field conditions, with Acrisure Stadium having a grass field.
How to watch Jets vs Steelers
| Location | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | NFL Network |
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