New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 Preseason Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Friday, August 21, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

TV: NFL Network / KDKA-TV Pittsburgh

Tickets: As low as $21

Betting Line: New York Jets -2.5

Moneyline: Jets -142 / Steelers +120

Over/Under: 36.5 Points

The New York Jets travel to Acrisure Stadium Friday night for a Preseason Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers featuring two dramatically different quarterback situations.

New York enters with uncertainty surrounding veteran starter Geno Smith, who missed the Jets’ preseason opener because of a sore ankle. Smith returned to practice this week, but neither he nor head coach Aaron Glenn had committed as of Tuesday to whether he would play against Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh’s quarterback plan is considerably clearer.

Head coach Mike McCarthy announced Wednesday that Will Howard will start and rookie Drew Allar will share the quarterback snaps. Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph will not play, giving Pittsburgh’s two young quarterbacks an extended opportunity to build on impressive preseason debuts.

That quarterback plan could become the biggest factor in Friday night’s betting market.

Using the current consensus numbers, New York is a 2.5-point favorite, with the total sitting at 36.5 points. FOX Sports listed the Jets -2.5 with a -142 moneyline and Pittsburgh +120.

The matchup kicks off Friday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium and will air nationally on NFL Network and locally in Pittsburgh on KDKA-TV.

Top Four Prop Bets

Preseason player props are not consistently available at every sportsbook. Unless your sportsbook lists the exact numbers below, consider them projected betting targets based on announced workloads, previous preseason production and current roster circumstances.

Prop Bet #1: Drew Allar Over 119.5 Passing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Allar Over 119.5 Passing Yards

• 153 Yards in Debut
• Extended Playing Time
• Two-TD Performance

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Drew Allar couldn’t have asked for a much better NFL debut.

Pittsburgh’s rookie third-round selection completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns against Green Bay. He also rushed for another touchdown, accounting for three scores during Pittsburgh’s 28-9 victory.

Now he gets another substantial opportunity.

McCarthy has already ruled out Rodgers and Rudolph and said he wants to “max out the opportunities” for Howard and Allar against the Jets. Howard starts, but Allar should receive plenty of snaps afterward.

That makes a projected 119.5-yard passing total appealing.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Allar demonstrated efficiency rather than simply accumulating meaningless late-game yardage against Green Bay.

Ten completions.

153 yards.

Two passing touchdowns.

No need for 30 attempts.

That matters because a quarterback who can produce explosive gains doesn’t need three full quarters to exceed 120 yards.

McCarthy also wants Pittsburgh’s young quarterbacks running concepts they already understand instead of dramatically expanding the playbook. That should help Allar play quickly rather than spending the night processing unfamiliar calls.

The Jets should also rotate heavily as the game progresses.

Even if New York’s starting defense plays early, Allar is likely to spend much of his appearance against reserve defenders.

Why the Under Could Hit

The biggest concern is Pittsburgh’s running game.

McCarthy specifically said he wants to create more opportunities for running back Kaleb Johnson and admitted the offense needs to call more runs.

If Pittsburgh becomes more run-heavy, Allar’s passing volume could decline.

The Steelers may also divide the quarterback work almost evenly, leaving Allar with only two quarters.

Still, his Week 1 production suggests two quarters could be enough.

Projected Bet: Drew Allar Over 119.5 Passing Yards

Prop Bet #2: Will Howard Over 89.5 Passing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Howard Over 89.5 Passing Yards

• First NFL Start
• Extended Workload
• Rodgers & Rudolph Sitting

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Will Howard gets his first NFL start Friday night.

McCarthy has confirmed Howard will open the game and share quarterback duties with Allar while Rodgers and Rudolph remain on the sideline.

That workload creates an attractive opportunity at a projected total around 90 yards.

Howard showed encouraging signs in Pittsburgh’s opener, including a 22-yard completion to veteran tight end Robert Tonyan that was originally ruled a touchdown before replay placed the ball short of the goal line.

More importantly, Howard believes he was overly excited early in his debut and expects to be more comfortable this week.

Friday gives him another opportunity to demonstrate that progress.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Howard should receive more snaps than he did against Green Bay.

McCarthy has made the purpose of this game clear: evaluate Pittsburgh’s young quarterbacks.

He already knows what Rodgers can do.

He believes he saw enough from Rudolph in the opener.

Howard and Allar need repetitions.

That should translate into multiple possessions for Howard.

A couple of intermediate completions could push him toward the total quickly.

The former Ohio State quarterback also possesses enough mobility to extend possessions when protection breaks down, giving Pittsburgh additional chances to accumulate passing yardage.

Why the Under Could Hit

Howard is still developing.

Friday will be his first NFL start, and New York’s defensive front has enough talent to create pressure even during an exhibition game.

The Jets recorded a sack from Will McDonald IV during their preseason opener and have been evaluating several young defensive playmakers throughout camp.

Howard also emphasized this week that he doesn’t want to chase explosive plays. That disciplined approach is excellent for his development but could result in a conservative stat line built around short completions.

Still, expected workload makes 90 yards reachable.

Projected Bet: Will Howard Over 89.5 Passing Yards

Prop Bet #3: Omar Cooper Jr. Over 29.5 Receiving Yards

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Cooper Over 29.5 Receiving Yards

• First-Round Rookie
• 31 Yards in Debut
• Big-Play Ability

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–

Omar Cooper Jr. provided an immediate glimpse of why New York invested a first-round selection in him.

The former Indiana receiver caught two passes on three targets during his NFL preseason debut.

One went for five yards.

The other became a 26-yard catch-and-run, the longest reception by any Jets receiver against Tampa Bay.

Cooper finished with 31 receiving yards.

That makes a projected 29.5-yard receiving total particularly interesting.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Cooper has already demonstrated he doesn’t need huge volume.

Two receptions were enough to surpass this number in his first game.

His 26-yard reception showed both route-running ability and yards-after-catch potential. The pass traveled approximately 18 yards before Cooper created another eight after securing the football.

Smith has also publicly praised Cooper’s composure and football awareness, saying the rookie didn’t look overwhelmed by the NFL environment.

That matters for playing time.

Young receivers who understand assignments and avoid mental mistakes tend to earn additional preseason opportunities.

Why the Under Could Hit

New York has numerous receivers to evaluate.

Garrett Wilson remains the established No. 1 option, while Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, Arian Smith and others have also produced during training camp.

Cooper’s strong debut may also convince Glenn that the rookie doesn’t need an excessive preseason workload.

Quarterback uncertainty is another concern.

If Smith doesn’t play, Cooper could catch passes from multiple quarterbacks throughout the game.

That can disrupt timing.

Still, one explosive reception could put this wager close immediately.

Projected Bet: Omar Cooper Jr. Over 29.5 Receiving Yards

Prop Bet #4: Game Total Under 36.5 Points

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Under 36.5 Points

• Young Steelers QBs
• Geno Smith Uncertain
• Preseason Rotations

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The 36.5-point total is low, but the under remains attractive because of the expected quarterback and personnel rotations.

Pittsburgh has already established that Rodgers and Rudolph won’t play.

Howard and Allar will handle the quarterback work.

New York still doesn’t know whether Smith will participate.

The veteran returned to practice after dealing with ankle soreness, but Glenn said his availability will depend on how he feels and whether the Jets believe game snaps are worth the risk.

If Smith sits, rookie Cade Klubnik could again receive significant work.

Why the Under Is a Good Bet

Pittsburgh’s quarterback talent looked impressive in Week 1, but Friday remains an evaluation game.

McCarthy has openly said the Steelers aren’t spending significant energy game-planning specifically for the Jets. Pittsburgh wants its players lined up correctly, executing concepts they know and playing sound fundamental football.

New York is also dealing with several injuries.

Starting running back Breece Hall is expected to miss two to three weeks with a groin injury, although Glenn believes he will be ready for the regular season.

That removes one of New York’s most explosive offensive players.

Once both teams move deeper into their offensive-line and receiving rotations, sustained scoring drives should become more difficult.

Why the Over Could Hit

The quarterbacks performed well in Week 1.

Allar accounted for three touchdowns.

Howard showed encouraging flashes.

Klubnik completed five of seven passes and led the Jets to scoring opportunities in his debut.

Pittsburgh also scored 28 points against Green Bay.

New York scored 16 despite losing to Tampa Bay.

A 20-17 game would go over.

One defensive touchdown or long special-teams return could completely change the total.

Still, the combination of young quarterbacks, extensive substitutions and a cautious Jets approach with Smith makes the under the preferred side.

Bet: Under 36.5 Points

The Matchup Context: Two Teams With Very Different Quarterback Questions

Pittsburgh knows who will play.

New York doesn’t.

That is the central storyline entering Friday.

McCarthy is dedicating this game almost entirely to Howard and Allar.

Rodgers is Pittsburgh’s established starter.

Rudolph is the trusted veteran backup.

The Steelers need information on their two younger quarterbacks.

McCarthy said he wants enough video and enough game repetitions to properly evaluate both players before roster decisions arrive.

The Jets face a different question.

Smith is the starter.

The issue isn’t whether he deserves the job.

The issue is whether playing him Friday provides enough benefit to justify risking further aggravation of his ankle.

Smith believes every repetition has value, particularly because he is working with a new team and offensive system, but he has left the final decision to Glenn.

That decision could have a major impact on the betting outlook.

Geno Smith’s Status Changes Everything

If Smith plays, New York deserves to be favored.

He brings substantially more NFL experience than Howard or Allar and would likely operate with at least some of the Jets’ starting offensive personnel.

Even one or two successful scoring drives could establish an early advantage.

But his availability remains uncertain.

Smith injured his ankle during a joint practice with Tampa Bay and missed the preseason opener. He returned to practice this week, and both Smith and Glenn emphasized that the injury isn’t considered serious.

That leaves New York with a difficult decision.

The Jets want Smith comfortable before Week 1.

They don’t want him limping into September because of an unnecessary preseason hit.

If he doesn’t play Friday, Klubnik becomes much more important.

Cade Klubnik Made the Most of His Surprise Start

Klubnik learned shortly before New York’s opener that Smith would not play.

The fourth-round rookie responded impressively.

He completed five of seven passes for 56 yards and led the Jets on two scoring drives during his brief appearance.

New York’s starters also produced several encouraging plays.

Garrett Wilson caught passes of 11 and 21 yards, while Braelon Allen broke a 31-yard touchdown run.

Klubnik’s composure was perhaps more significant than the statistics.

He didn’t look overwhelmed.

He got New York lined up.

He completed routine throws.

He moved the offense.

Smith has praised the rookie’s willingness to ask questions and learn from every repetition.

If Smith sits again, Klubnik should become one of the most important players Friday night.

Breece Hall’s Injury Opens the Door for Braelon Allen

New York will be without Breece Hall after he suffered a groin injury during Monday’s practice.

Glenn expects Hall to miss approximately two to three weeks but believes he should return for the regular season.

That changes the running back rotation.

Braelon Allen already made a statement against Tampa Bay.

He ripped off a 31-yard touchdown run in the opening quarter as New York built an early 10-0 advantage.

Allen’s combination of size and explosiveness makes him an intriguing option behind Hall during the regular season.

The question Friday is how much New York wants to expose him.

With Hall unavailable, Allen suddenly becomes more important.

Glenn could decide to limit his workload and give deeper backs the majority of the carries.

That makes Allen one of the game’s most interesting players to watch but a more difficult betting target.

Pittsburgh Turns the Offense Over to Will Howard

Friday is Howard’s opportunity.

The former Ohio State quarterback didn’t play during the 2025 season because of injury, making this preseason his first real NFL game experience.

His debut wasn’t perfect.

Howard admitted he was somewhat anxious during the opening possession.

But the positive plays were obvious.

His 22-yard connection with Tonyan demonstrated his ability to diagnose coverage and deliver an accurate intermediate throw.

Now he gets to start.

That changes the mental preparation.

Howard knows exactly when he’s entering.

He’ll go through the pregame routine as Pittsburgh’s opening quarterback.

He could even be introduced with the starting lineup.

McCarthy isn’t asking him to become Aaron Rodgers.

He wants basic quarterback execution.

Command the huddle.

Get the offense lined up.

Make the right read.

Protect the football.

Allow explosive plays to develop naturally.

Drew Allar Could Become the Biggest Story Again

Allar stole the show against Green Bay.

His numbers were outstanding:

10-of-13 passing.

153 yards.

Two passing touchdowns.

One rushing touchdown.

That’s exactly the type of performance that makes a fan base start imagining possibilities.

But Pittsburgh’s coaching staff needs to keep the evaluation in perspective.

It was one preseason game.

Now Allar has to repeat the execution.

How does he respond when the Jets pressure him?

Can he work through a second read?

Can he recognize a disguised coverage?

Can he protect the football when the pocket collapses?

Allar himself emphasized that he still saw plays he wanted back despite his impressive debut and wants to improve his decision-making, footwork and protection work.

That’s exactly the right developmental focus.

Pittsburgh Wants More From the Running Game

The quarterbacks generated most of the headlines after Pittsburgh’s opener.

McCarthy wants to make sure the running game gets its opportunity Friday.

He specifically mentioned Kaleb Johnson, saying he hopes to get the running back more work and joking that the play caller needs to call more running plays.

That matters for Pittsburgh’s young quarterbacks.

A productive running game keeps Howard and Allar out of obvious passing situations.

Second-and-5 allows Pittsburgh to use the complete playbook.

Third-and-9 allows New York’s pass rush to attack.

Expect the Steelers to emphasize early-down rushing more heavily than they did against Green Bay.

Omar Cooper Jr. Has Already Created Excitement

The Jets’ rookie receiving corps offers several interesting possibilities, but Cooper might have the highest ceiling.

His first preseason game provided exactly what New York wanted to see.

He caught the football cleanly.

He created yards after the catch.

He didn’t look overwhelmed.

Smith publicly praised Cooper afterward, noting how quickly the rookie approached him asking what he could improve.

That mentality matters.

Cooper is talented enough to make splash plays.

Now he needs to demonstrate consistency.

Friday offers the next opportunity.

Pittsburgh’s Defense Can Make Life Difficult for New York

The Jets’ quarterback situation makes Pittsburgh’s defensive front particularly important.

If Smith plays, the Steelers can test how comfortable he is moving on the ankle.

If Klubnik plays extensively, Pittsburgh can test the rookie’s ability to diagnose NFL pressure.

Preseason defenses rarely reveal complicated regular-season blitz packages, but they don’t need to.

Winning individual matchups is enough.

Young quarterbacks frequently struggle when the pocket collapses before the route structure develops.

Pittsburgh’s defensive objective should therefore be simple:

Create pressure with the front.

Maintain rush discipline.

Force New York’s quarterbacks to make quick decisions.

Players to Watch

Geno Smith, QB, Jets: Smith’s availability remains uncertain after missing the opener with ankle soreness. If he plays, even a short appearance would significantly change the early matchup.

Cade Klubnik, QB, Jets: The fourth-round rookie completed five of seven passes for 56 yards and led two scoring drives in his NFL debut.

Braelon Allen, RB, Jets: With Hall sidelined, Allen becomes more important in the backfield. He produced a 31-yard touchdown run against Tampa Bay.

Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Jets: Cooper caught two passes for 31 yards in his debut, including a 26-yard catch-and-run.

David Bailey, EDGE, Jets: The No. 2 overall draft pick has generated considerable attention throughout training camp and gives New York another young pass-rushing weapon.

Will Howard, QB, Steelers: Howard receives his first NFL start and should get an extended opportunity with Rodgers and Rudolph sitting.

Drew Allar, QB, Steelers: Allar accounted for three touchdowns and 153 passing yards in his debut and could be the most exciting player on the field once he enters.

Kaleb Johnson, RB, Steelers: McCarthy wants to get Johnson more opportunities Friday and has specifically mentioned increasing the rushing workload.

Eli Heidenreich, TE/FB, Steelers: McCarthy wants to see more from Heidenreich after injuries limited portions of his summer, particularly his comfort in the running game and the burst he has shown in practice.

Keys to the Game

New York Jets

New York’s first key is determining how much—if at all—to play Smith.

If he is fully comfortable, several preseason series could help him develop additional timing within the offense.

If there is any hesitation, New York has no reason to risk September for an August exhibition game.

Second, the Jets need another composed performance from Klubnik.

His first appearance was encouraging.

Now Pittsburgh has film.

The rookie needs to demonstrate that he can process a different defensive front and continue protecting the football.

Third, New York must replace Hall’s rushing production without overworking Allen.

That could create opportunities for players deeper in the backfield to establish themselves.

Fourth, the Jets need Cooper and their other young receivers to continue creating explosive plays.

Finally, New York’s defense needs to pressure Pittsburgh’s young quarterbacks.

Howard and Allar looked good against Green Bay.

The Jets need to make Friday more difficult.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh’s first priority is maximizing the quarterback evaluation.

Howard and Allar are getting the game.

McCarthy needs to give both enough possessions to make useful conclusions.

Second, Pittsburgh must establish the running game.

McCarthy has already identified it as an area where he wants more opportunities, particularly for Johnson.

Third, the Steelers must protect their young quarterbacks.

The purpose of extended preseason snaps disappears if every passing play becomes immediate pressure.

Fourth, Pittsburgh’s young receivers need to help Howard and Allar.

Dropped passes and incorrect routes make quarterback evaluation considerably more difficult.

Finally, the Steelers need the same disciplined football they showed during their 28-9 win over Green Bay.

Preseason games are often determined by which team’s depth players commit fewer mistakes.

Betting Prediction

The Jets -2.5 line creates an interesting decision.

New York has the more established starting roster.

If Smith plays and receives multiple possessions, the Jets could easily establish an early advantage.

But Pittsburgh may have the more favorable quarterback setup for an exhibition game.

Howard and Allar know exactly what their roles will be.

Both are expected to receive significant playing time.

Both have spent the entire offseason learning McCarthy’s system.

Allar just threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns.

Howard now gets his first start.

New York’s quarterback rotation remains less certain.

Smith may play.

He may not.

Klubnik may get significant work.

Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook could also factor deeper into the game after Zappe and Cook both saw action in the opener.

That uncertainty makes laying 2.5 points on the road uncomfortable.

At Pittsburgh +2.5, the home underdog offers value.

The total may be the cleaner wager.

At 36.5, the number is unquestionably low.

But Pittsburgh is deliberately turning the offense over to two young quarterbacks, while New York could again rest Smith.

Hall is out.

The teams should rotate extensively after halftime.

That creates a realistic path toward a final score in the low-to-mid 30s.

The Verdict

Prediction: Steelers 19, Jets 16

Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers +2.5

Moneyline Lean: Pittsburgh +120

Total Pick: Under 36.5

The betting line favors New York.

The preseason setup favors Pittsburgh.

McCarthy has created a clear plan for the Steelers.

Howard starts.

Allar follows.

Rodgers and Rudolph sit.

The two young quarterbacks get the repetitions Pittsburgh needs to evaluate them.

That clarity matters in preseason football.

Howard should be more comfortable after getting his first NFL game out of the way.

Allar enters with enormous confidence after accounting for three touchdowns against Green Bay.

New York remains dangerous.

If Smith plays, he immediately becomes the best and most experienced quarterback participating.

Klubnik also looked poised in his debut, while Cooper and Allen give the Jets young explosive playmakers.

But Hall’s injury reduces New York’s offensive depth, and the Jets have no reason to expose Smith if his ankle isn’t completely ready.

Expect Pittsburgh to use the running game more aggressively than it did in Week 1.

Expect Howard to play controlled football early.

Expect Allar to create several explosive passes after taking over.

And expect New York’s defense to keep the game close enough that neither team consistently reaches the end zone.

The Steelers’ defined quarterback rotation, home-field environment and impressive Week 1 performance make the points attractive.

Final Score Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 19, New York Jets 16

Best Bet: Under 36.5

Against the Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers +2.5

Top Player Prop: Drew Allar Over 119.5 Passing Yards

Additional Props: Will Howard Over 89.5 Passing Yards | Omar Cooper Jr. Over 29.5 Receiving Yards