We already know for a fact that Aaron Rodgers has greatly impacted the Pittsburgh Steelers in terms of their 2025 NFL schedule.
But what about something that really matters?
How many wins is he worth?
The Steelers as an organization continues to hold out hope that the four-time MVP quarterback will sign their one-year, $30 million free agent offer, but Rodgers has stayed committed to prioritizing his personal life before making any future football plans.
This uncertainty in the Pittsburgh QB room has forced the league to keep the Steelers off of many national TV spots. That concession has been announced by a league official.
Indeed, NFL VP of broadcast planning and scheduling Mike North believes the Steelers would have been put in a coveted Week 1 showcase game if it was already confirmed that Rodgers would be suiting up in the black and gold.
But instead?
“You’ll see Pittsburgh at the Jets are on CBS at 1 o’clock in the afternoon in Week 1 along with seven other NFL games all at the same time,” North said.
With Rodgers locked in? Going against his old New York team? And Fields playing for the Jets against his former team in The Steel City?
Yes. That would've made it to CBS' prime slot, or even higher on the totem pole.
As a matter record: In the last two years, the Rodgers-led Jets were featured in "Monday Night Football'' openers.
Now, about the other kind of "record'': CBS Sports is predicting that if Rodgers plays here, the Steelers will go 10-7. ... But that if he doesn't, they will end up with a 7-10 mark.
That seems ... drastic. Controversial, even.
Last season with the Jets, the 41-year-old Rodgers was competent enough, with 28 touchdowns but with 11 interceptions. But did his presence add up to three extra wins?
Factually, in 2023, when he got hurt in Week 1, the Jets forged ahead and won 7 games.
Last year, the same team, led by a healthy Rodgers, won 5 games.
So ... we think we will take that 3-game-swing bet from CBS.