Monday Night Football should provide an exciting conclusion to the first week of the regular season. It's a star-studded matchup between the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers, marking the return of future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Fans were robbed of witnessing Rodgers in the Green & White last season, but the 2024 campaign should be even more thrilling because of it. The Jets are a better team on paper than they were last year, but they're going to have their hands full out of the gate against the reigning NFC champions.
Here are statistical projections for the Jets' top offensive weapons and their All-Pro defensive tackle along with a final score prediction.
Breece Hall Projected Rushing/Receiving:
The Jets' best offensive player in 2023 was superstar RB Breece Hall and he looks to be even better in 2024 almost two seasons removed from his ACL injury. On Monday night, look for the Jets to use him heavily to open up the play action versus a talented 49ers defense.
Hall will have 18 carries for 85 yards and haul in 4 receptions for 40 yards. He'll also score one touchdown on the night.
There's no doubt that the Jets offense is going to run through Hall this year, especially with the revamped offensive line in front of him. Look for Hall to have a splendid 2024 debut.
Garrett Wilson Projected Receiving Total:
New Jets' WR Mike Williams is going to be on a "snap count" according to head coach Robert Saleh, but luckily for Rodgers, he has a number 1 WR in Garrett Wilson to throw the ball to. Hall is going to have a day running the rock, but Wilson has to be the catalyst for Rodgers through the air. It's going to be a fascinating matchup for Wilson as he goes up against a top CB in Charvarius Ward who called out Wilson in the offseason.
Wilson will have 8 catches for a total of 125 yards and catch a touchdown.
Wilson finished his first two seasons in the NFL with 1,000+ yard seasons and with awful QB play. With Rodgers at the helm, Wilson is primed to have a breakout season and it will start Monday night.
Quinnen Williams Projected Sacks:
On the defensive end, the Jets will have to be violent up front and get after 49ers QB Brock Purdy if they want to halt their high powered offense. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is one of the best players on a Jets defense that was Top 5 in the NFL last year.
Williams will have 2.5 sacks come Monday night and 6 QB pressures/hurries.
The fifth-year veteran will have a great matchup versus an inexperienced interior for the 49ers and should be dominant. Williams was quiet in the sack department last year with only 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 shot to pin their ears back and be a nuisance to Purdy.
Score Prediction:
The 49ers are currently favored by 4.5 points at home. The Jets' schedule this season is nowhere near as difficult as it was last year and the 49ers will be the toughest team they play on paper in 2024. Nevertheless, I see the Jets strolling into San Francisco and Rodgers leading them to a 21-20 victory.
More New York Jets News:
• Rodgers influences offensive coordinator's location during Jets' games
• Jets' offensive coordinator explains what makes Breece Hall rare breed
• Rodgers hopeful New York Jets made correct offseason moves on offense
• Jets urged to reunite former Packers' tight end with Aaron Rodgers
• Saleh takes measures to offset Jets' schedule disadvantage
