New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left) and head coach Robert Saleh (right). Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports

Jets-49ers Week 1 matchup to make NFL history

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Aug 26, 2024 12:30 PM ET

There are many storylines for the upcoming matchup between the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers, making it one of the most anticipated Week 1 contests of the regular season.

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be back on the field for the first time since suffering a season-ending torn Achilles that occurred just four snaps into Week 1 last year. There is also a trio of stars on both sides who could very well be out of uniform for the contest due to ongoing contract holdouts.

With just two weeks until New York and San Francisco square off in the Bay Area on "Monday Night Football," Gang Green Pro Bowl linebacker Haason Reddick, Niners star wideout Brandon Aiyuk and All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams appear nowhere close to taking the field.

As noted by ESPN's Rich Cimini, the matchup will also make NFL history, pitting last season's top offense vs. the top defense, in terms of yards per play.

The Jets open the season two weeks from today. A look ahead: Their game against the 49ers will be the first matchup between the No. 1 offense in yards per play against the No. 1 defense in yards per play from the previous season in the Super Bowl Era (Since 1966), per…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 26, 2024

With a trio of Pro Bowlers in linebacker Jermaine Johnson II, defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner, plus first-team All-Pros in Gardner and linebacker Quincy Williams, the Jets allowed just 4.6 yards per play last season. That tied with the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns for the best mark in the league.

With all four players returning, New York is expected to have one of the best defenses again, though the addition of Reddick was supposed to take it to another level.

The Niners, meanwhile, with Aiyuk, fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel, Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy, All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey and All-Pro tight end George Kittle, paced the NFL at 6.5 yards per play. Having Aiyuk, plus Williams along the offensive line, makes the offense that much more potent, so the unit could look different heading into Week 1 against the Jets.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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