In the Monday Night Football The spotlight is on the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets. There are exciting stories surrounding these teams and the clubs are closely connected.

Remember, Jets head coach Robert Saleh served as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator for four years (2017-2020) before becoming Gang Green’s captain. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed his disappointment that the 49ers passed on him in the 2005 draft. New York signed defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who San Francisco selected in the first round of the 2020 draft.

Incidentally, both teams have had to trade players, and the Jets still don’t know when edge rusher Haason Reddick will join them. Last week, the 49ers signed contract extensions with wideout Brandon Aiyuk and offensive tackle Trent Williams.

Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the Jets’ 2023 season opener, so this should be his first full game with Gang Green.

Michelino went against popular opinion and chose the Jets because he fears the 49ers will be rusty in the offseason.

“Okay, I’ll say it. I believe the Jets are legitimate Super Bowl contenders in 2024, and I LOVE them getting 4.5 points here. Maybe I’m blinded by the immense talent of this defense (despite the Reddick loss), or the re-formed offensive line, or the fact that we may be witnessing the biggest jump in the quality of the quarterback position from one season to the next in NFL history.

“But even if that weren’t the case, I have serious concerns that the Niners won’t be able to hit the ground running with their stars after a turbulent preseason. At a time when training camps are already thinned out, I’m always concerned when key players rush their preparation after being limited by injuries or absences that affect their preparation.

“Rodgers’ mouth is watering at the thought of getting back into prime-time form while leading the most talented squad he’s played with in years. I think we’re in for an extremely close game that will be decided by the difference of a field goal.”

Result prediction: 49ers 24, Jets 19

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