On Sunday, October 8, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers will face off at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Background
The Steelers are currently 3-1 heading into Week 5, while the Jets are a lowly 1-3 coming off a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
New York will likely be without both Erick Decker and Darrelle Revis, which could take a hit to both their defensive and offensive matchups.
Players to look out for
Pittsburgh
You'll have to keep your eyes on Antonio Brown during this game since he's playing at home against a weakened Jets' secondary. He's been targeted 45 times in four games and has 369 total receiving yards on the season. He's coming off of a mere five target game against the Chiefs, which the Steelers had sealed within the first couple of drives. He's definitely one of the top receivers in this match-up.
Ben Roethlisberger, naturally, is the other player to acknowledge in this game because he just had his best game of the season with a completion rate of 81 percent and five touchdown passes. The Jets defense hasn't been super effective against the passing game, so Roethlisberger will likely look to connect with Brown as he's done all season.
New York
Despite Ryan Fitzpatrick's nine interceptions from his previous two games, he should bounce back against Pittsburgh given they rank 30th in passing yards per game (316.5). With Decker inactive, Fitzpatrick will have to look for receivers Quincy Enunwa and Brandon Marshall fairly often, both of which can get the job done at pushing the offense. Marshall could be double-covered in this game, which will open opportunities up for Enunwa in the long run. Either receiver should see an ample amount of touches.
Matt Forte still hasn't been cleared to play, so his role in this game is uncertain at this point. If he plays and Fitzpatrick isn't landing passes, he'll look to Forte for a lot of rushes. Otherwise, head coach Todd Bowles will likely incorporate Bilal Powell into the offense. Powell has been utilized as an effective receiving back in the past two games for the Jets and could continue to see that role if Forte doesn't suit up.
Outcome
Given the poor showings from the Jets defense in previous games, the Steelers look to be the favorites of the matchup. Roethlisberger and Brown are possibly the strongest pairing in the passing game this season, so far, and should easily connect for some long distance receptions.
Marshall is poised to erupt after a poor start to the season, and given his performance against Seattle, he's looking healthy and ready to play. In the end, the Steelers will win.
Prediction: New York Jets 21, Pittsburgh Steelers 27