Jets vs. 49ers prediction, odds, spread, injuries, trends for NFL Week 1

The New York Jets head to the West Coast to open the season on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers.

The NFC champions Niners will look to start the season strong after signing WR Brandon Aiyuk and All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams. Christian McCaffrey did not play in the preseason due to a calf strain but is expected to play Monday night. Brock Purdy will look to build on his successful sophomore season in which he led the league in passer rating and yards per pass attempt.

The Jets will finally (hopefully) enter the Aaron Rodgers era. It's been a long wait for Jets fans, who have had to suffer through poor quarterback play in 2023 after losing Rodgers in the first game last season.

Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall should shine in this offense, which also features a much improved offensive line.

Both defenses are expected to be among the best units in 2024. The Jets allowed the second-fewest passing yards per game last season, while the Niners allowed the third-fewest rushing yards per game.

Spread

Money line

In total

Opportunities about DraftKings Sportsbook.

Jets Injury Report

49ers injury report

Nozzles

Aaron Rodgers: It all depends on Rodgers. How will he look after his Achilles surgery? Will Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall have a breakout season with competent quarterback play? Rodgers was rusty in his last season in Green Bay, but he also played without OC Nathaniel Hackett and WR Davante Adams and had a broken thumb for half the season. Expect Rodgers to look rusty and show MVP qualities in his first road game against San Francisco.

49ers

Christian McCaffrey: CMC will continue to be the focal point of this offense, but how much will his calf strain impact his workload? RB Jordan Mason could get a few extra touches against a Jets defense that has struggled in run defense in 2023.

This is a star-studded Monday night clash.

Both offenses have great potential, but the Niners have the edge in this first meeting. San Francisco's Super Bowl team remains largely unchanged, with Purdy entering his third season and McCaffrey continuing to be a key part of the offense.

Purdy has a strong receiver corps in Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, but expect the Niners to rely more on their running game against the Jets defense. In 2023, the Jets allowed 124 rushing yards per game while allowing just 168 passing yards per game. Fortunately for San Francisco, their running game is top-notch.

McCaffrey averaged 91 rushing yards per game and an impressive 5.62 yards per attempt last season. As a team, San Francisco averaged 140.5 rushing yards per game, the third-highest in the league.

There are a lot of question marks with the Jets. I expect Garrett Wilson to be targeted often and for this season to be a breakout year for the receiver. Last year, Wilson had a league-leading 46% air yard share in Hackett's offense.

With Rodgers' improved play, Wilson should have a great season. However, Rodgers will likely be rusty on Monday, and it will be hard to rely on the running game against this Niners defense. However, I expect Breece Hall to top his 25.5 yards as a pass receiver. The Niners allowed an average of 36 yards per game to opposing runners last season.

I think Rodgers will be good for the Jets this season, but I can't bet on a 40-year-old quarterback who is on the road and coming back from injury in the first game of the season being back.

Both defenses should be tough on Monday. I'm betting on the home team to cover and the under.

Selection: 49ers -3.5 and under 44

The odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and needs help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.