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.

Roethlisberger had one poor game agains the Eagles, but figures to continue his phenomenal passing. Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America
Roethlisberger had one poor game against the Eagles, but figures to continue his phenomenal passing | Source: Justin K. Aller - Getty Images North America

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.

Fitzpatrick is looking to rebound from Weeks 3 & 4.
Fitzpatrick is looking to rebound from Weeks three and four | Source: Al Bello - Getty Images North America

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

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About the author
Robert Brunswick III
SUNY Binghamton Graduate with a BA in English Literature and Rhetorical Studies