What to Expect and How to Watch Jets' Preseason Finale vs. Giants
It's not just an average preseason game, especially not this year.
There's always a buzz in the air at MetLife Stadium when the New York Jets and the New York Giants meet annually in the event formerly known as the "Snoopy Bowl" (the partnership between MetLife and Peanuts has ended).
"The Giants and Jets game, whether it’s preseason or regular season, there’s going to be good turnout. There’s going to be a lot of anticipation and excitement in the building," said Jets' third-year head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday in Florham Park.
This year's edition of the local rivalry game will kick off on Saturday, August 26 at 6:00 pm ET in East Rutherford. NFL Network will carry the live broadcast across America while fans in the New York media market can watch via WNBC.
In addition to the opportunity for football-hungry fans to get a taste of action ahead of the regular season, this year's Jets-Giants exhibition doubles as the on-field debut for Gang Green's new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The four-time NFL MVP is slated to see his first preseason game work since 2018 with the Green Bay Packers.
"I’ve said it before, even though he’s been in the league for 19 years, he’s going into a new stadium, he’s got new colors on, he’s got new teammates, new play caller, everything’s new," said Saleh on the rationale behind starting Rodgers in the fourth, and final, preseason tilt. "It’s not so much about him, but everybody else around him hearing him for the first time, feeling him in a game like setting, feeling his cadence."
Rodgers appeared ready to give it a go while speaking to reporters earlier in the week.
"I think over the years, it just hasn’t made sense based on a number of different factors, but I used to enjoy playing the preseason back in my younger years," said Rodgers. "Just to kind of maybe take that first hit or feel kind of the nerves in the first drive, so I look forward to being out there."
The 39-year-old Rodgers won't be alone out there as Saleh intends to play most, if not all, first-teamers in the final summertime tune-up.
"I think there will be a little more electricity, but for the players, it’s just about going out there, focusing, doing their job," said Saleh, who owns a 2-0 record against the Giants during the NFL Preseason.
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In terms of how long the Rodgers-led starting offense will be on the field, Saleh doesn't foresee a one-and-done scenario.
"The plan is to get transitions going in terms of different series so they can come off the field, get the adjustments, take those adjustments to the field, play football, come back, make more adjustments, go back," said the third-year head coach. "I’d like to see multiple drives, but we’ll see."
The Jets are a 6.0-point favorite over the Giants according to SI Sportsbook as of Friday evening. The total (over/under) is 39.5 points.
Bob Papa (play-by-play) and Carl Banks (analyst) will call the game for WNBC. Fans can also listen on radio via 98.7 FM ESPN.
Jets at Giants (Preseason Game No. 4)
Saturday, August 26 • 6:00 pm ET
Watch: NFL Network (nationally), WNBC (locally in NY market)
Point Spread: Jets -6
Money Line: Jets -275; Bucs +200
Total (Over/Under): 39.5
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