Monday Night Football is set to wrap up the first week of the regular season in exciting fashion, with a star-studded matchup between the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers, which features the return of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Fans didn’t get to see Rodgers in green and white last season, but the 2024 campaign should be even more exciting because of it. The Jets are a better team on paper than they were last year, but they’re going to have their work cut out for them up front against the defending NFC champions.
Here are the statistical projections for the Jets’ top offensive weapons and their All-Pro defensive tackle along with a final score prediction.
Breece Hall Rushing/Receiving Projection:
The Jets’ best offensive player in 2023 was superstar RB Breece Hall and he figures to be even better in 2024, nearly two seasons removed from his ACL injury. Expect the Jets to use him extensively to open up play action against a talented 49ers defense on Monday night.
Hall would carry 18 times for 85 yards and make four receptions for 40 yards. He would also score a touchdown on the night.
There’s no doubt the Jets’ offense will rely on Hall this year, especially with the revamped offensive line in front of him. Expect Hall to have a stellar debut in 2024.
Garrett Wilson’s projected reception total:
New Jets receiver Mike Williams is going to be on a “snap count” according to head coach Robert Saleh, but fortunately for Rodgers, he has a No. 1 receiver in Garrett Wilson to throw the ball to. Hall is going to have a day to run with the rock, but Wilson has to be the catalyst for Rodgers through the air. This will be an intriguing matchup for Wilson as he faces a top CB in Charvarius Ward who called Wilson up in the offseason.
Wilson would make 8 receptions for 125 yards and catch a touchdown.
Wilson finished his first two NFL seasons with 1,000+ yard seasons and terrible QB play. With Rodgers at the helm, Wilson is poised to have a breakout season and it will begin Monday night.
Quinnen Williams Projected Bags:
On defense, the Jets will need to get aggressive on offense and go after 49ers QB Brock Purdy if they want to stop their high-powered offense. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is one of the best players on the Jets defense, which was ranked in the NFL’s top five last year.
Williams will have 2.5 sacks Monday night and 6 pressures/hurries on the QB.
The fifth-year veteran will have a great matchup against an inexperienced 49ers interior and should be dominant. Williams was quiet in the sack department last year with just 5.5 compared to his 2022 season where he had 12. With Rodgers potentially giving the defense a lead to play with, they could have a chance to get their ears back and be a nuisance for Purdy.
Score prediction:
The 49ers are currently 4.5-point favorites at home. The Jets’ schedule this season isn’t as tough as last year’s and the 49ers will be the toughest team they face on paper in 2024. Still, I see the Jets cruising to San Francisco and Rodgers leading them to a 21-20 victory.
More New York Jets news:
• Rodgers influences offensive coordinator’s placement during Jets games
• Jets offensive coordinator explains what makes Breece Hall a rare breed
• Rodgers hopes New York Jets made right offensive moves this offseason
• Jets urged to reunite former Packers tight end with Aaron Rodgers
• Saleh takes steps to offset Jets’ schedule disadvantage
