The New York Jets will kick off their 2024 season on the road against the San Francisco 49ers in a highly anticipated Monday Night Football matchup. This Week 1 game, set to take place at Levi’s Stadium, will mark Aaron Rodgers’ return to the field after a nearly year-long recovery from a torn Achilles. The game starts at 8:20 PM ET and will air live on ABC and ESPN.

A Tale of Two Teams

The Jets enter this season with renewed optimism, largely due to the presence of Rodgers, who brings a Hall of Fame resume and a wealth of experience to a franchise in desperate need of stability at the quarterback position. Last year, New York struggled to a 7-10 finish, primarily due to Rodgers’ absence and inconsistent play from his replacements. Despite the off-field drama surrounding Rodgers – ranging from his rumored outside influence in team decisions to his controversial comments about the Jets’ culture – the team has high hopes that his return will ignite a deep playoff run.

The 49ers, on the other hand, are looking to continue their dominance after a strong 2023 campaign that saw them reach the Super Bowl, only to fall short against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, their offseason has been far from smooth. Star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk finally ended his holdout with a massive four-year, $120 million contract extension, while 11-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams remains in a contract dispute and is currently holding out. 

Additionally, the team faced a scare when first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery. Fortunately, Pearsall is recovering, but his status for the start of the season is uncertain. 

Despite these challenges, the 49ers still boast one of the most balanced rosters in the league, with quarterback Brock Purdy leading a dynamic offense featuring Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey.

Key Matchups

Aaron Rodgers vs. 49ers Defense

Rodgers has a storied history against the 49ers, particularly in the playoffs where he has struggled with an 0-4 record. However, his regular-season record against San Francisco is much more favorable, with six wins and only three losses, along with an impressive 20 touchdowns to just two interceptions. The key question for this game is how Rodgers will perform in his first game back from injury and whether he can shake off the rust quickly enough to make a difference.

The 49ers’ defense, led by standout players like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, will be eager to test Rodgers. Last season, the 49ers were one of the league’s top defenses, particularly against the pass, and they will look to apply constant pressure to keep Rodgers from finding his rhythm. Rodgers’ ability to read defenses and make quick decisions will be crucial if the Jets hope to come away with a win.

Brock Purdy vs. Jets Secondary

Purdy’s rise to prominence was one of the biggest stories of the 2023 season. The young quarterback showed poise beyond his years, leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl and posting the league’s best quarterback rating. His ability to spread the ball around to his playmakers, particularly in the short and intermediate passing game, will be key against a Jets defense that excels at limiting big plays.

New York’s pass defense was one of the best in the NFL last year, allowing just 5.0 net passing yards per attempt. The Jets’ secondary, led by All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner, will challenge Purdy to be precise with his throws. If the Jets can force Purdy into mistakes, they could keep the game close and give Rodgers a chance to steal a win.

Trenches Battle: Jets Offensive Line vs. 49ers Pass Rush

The battle in the trenches will be another critical aspect of this game. The Jets’ offensive line has been a point of concern, particularly in keeping Rodgers upright and healthy. Against a 49ers pass rush that includes Bosa, one of the most disruptive forces in the league, the Jets’ line will need to be at its best. If San Francisco can generate consistent pressure, it could be a long night for Rodgers and the Jets’ offense.

Conversely, the 49ers’ offensive line will have its hands full with the Jets’ front seven, especially without Trent Williams. The Jets’ front seven features several standout players, including Quinnen Williams. The Jets’ ability to stop the run and pressure Purdy will be key to slowing down the 49ers’ offense and giving their own offense more opportunities.

Our Pick: Under 43.5 total points

Expect a closely contested battle between two of the NFL’s most intriguing teams. The Jets, with Rodgers at the helm, should keep this game within reach, but the 49ers’ balanced attack and strong defense will likely give them the edge. Given the strength of both defenses and the potential for a run-heavy approach, this game is likely to be a lower-scoring affair, making under 43.5 total points to be scored our pick for the Jets vs 49ers matchup.