Christian McCaffrey didn’t play but the San Francisco 49ers didn’t need their do-everything ball carrier because they have another capable running back in Jordan Mason.
Mason had a career night running for 147 yards on 28 carries in the 49ers’ convincing 32-19 win over the New York Jets.
The 49ers scored on eight straight possessions behind efficient production from Brock Purdy and timely runs by Mason.
Purdy had 231 yards passing. Versatile wideout Deebo Samuel contributed with 77 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.
The only good news for the Jets is veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers got through the game healthy. Rodgers and the Jets offense struggled to sustain long drives and had two giveaways in the loss.
PLAY TO WIN $5K: USA TODAY’s Pro Football Survivor Pool is free to enter. Sign up now!
Rodgers was held to 167 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was subbed out of the game in the fourth quarter.
San Francisco three-time first-team All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner had a team-high seven tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in the win. — Tyler Dragon
49ers vs. Jets final stats
Team stats:
Total yards: 49ers 401, Jets 266
First downs: 49ers 25, Jets 14
Third-down conversions: Jets 6-10, 49ers 6-13
Red zone: Jets 2-2, 49ers 2-5
Turnovers: Jets 2, 49ers 0
Passing:
Brock Purdy: 19/29, 231 yards
Aaron Rodgers: 13/21, 167 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Tyrod Taylor: 6/8, 36 yards, 1 touchdown
Rushing:
Jordan Mason: 28 carries, 147 yards, 1 touchdown
Deebo Samuel: 8 carries, 23 yards, 1 touchdown
Breece Hall: 16 carries, 54 yards, 1 touchdown
Receiving:
Jauan Jennings: 5 receptions, 64 yards
Deebo Samuel: 5 receptions, 54 yards
Kyle Juszcyk: 2 receptions, 40 yards
George Kittle: 4 receptions, 40 yards
Allen Lazard: 6 receptions, 89 yards, 2 touchdowns
Garrett Wilson: 6 receptions, 60 yards
Breece Hall: 5 receptions, 39 yards
49ers vs. Jets highlights
Aaron Rodgers’ much-anticipated return didn’t quite go well for the Jets against the 49ers, who — despite playing without 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey — got a big game from backup running back Jordan Mason.
Jets vs. 49ers score
Jets: 19
49ers: 32
First quarter
49ers field goal (10:58) — Jake Moody, 46 yards
Jets touchdown (3:51) — Breece Hall, 3-yard run (Greg Zuerlein extra point)
Second quarter
49ers field goal (14:04) — Jake Moody, 51 yards
49ers touchdown (6:54) — Deebo Samuel, 2-yard run (Jake Moody extra point)
49ers field goal (0:04) — Jake Moody, 31 yards
Third quarter
49ers touchdown (7:42) — Jordan Mason, 5-yard run (Jake Moody extra point)
49ers field goal (3:28) — Jake Moody, 53 yards
Jets touchdown (1:39) — Allen Lazard, 36-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (two-point conversion attempt no good)
Fourth quarter
49ers field goal (9:43) — Jake Moody, 23 yards
49ers field goal (4:20) — Jake Moody, 42 yards
Jets touchdown (1:39) — Allen Lazard, 3-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (two-point conversion attempt no good)
49ers 32, Jets 19: Jets add late score
The Jets accepted their defeat but added a touchdown in the final minute to close the deficit on what was a tough night for the Jets.
With Tyrod Taylor in for Aaron Rodgers, who was pulled out, New York went down the field in 12 plays and capped it off with a pass to Allen Lazard for his second touchdown catch of the night. The offense stayed on the field to get a two-point conversion, but like earlier in the game, failed and the score was 32-19 in favor of San Francisco. — Jordan Mendoza
49ers 32, Jets 13: Jake Moody knocks in sixth field goal; Tyrod Taylor replaces Aaron Rodgers
Have yourself a night Jake Moody.
The 49ers kicker joined the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Chris Boswell as the only kickers to make six field goals in a game this week after he drilled another one against the Jets. Moody connected on a 42-yard field goal for his 18th point of the night and to give San Francisco eight straight possessions with a score.
Jets fail on fourth down conversion
New York appears to be headed toward defeat.
Down by 16 points with less than eight minutes left, the Jets needed to go down the field and get a score to keep hope alive. However, they were forced into a fourth and short near midfield. The offense stayed on the field and Aaron Rodgers tried to hit Garrett Wilson on a slant, but he couldn’t haul it in.
49ers 29, Jets 13: 49ers offense produces more points
The 49ers have now scored on their last seven possessions.
Brock Purdy was efficient throwing the football on the 49ers’ 11-play, 75-yard drive. Purdy completed six passes to help the 49ers get in the red zone.
The 49ers had an opportunity to score a touchdown on fourth-and-1 on New York’s 5-yard line, but Kyle Shanahan elected to play it safe and go for a short 23-yard field goal by Jake Moody to increase their lead to 29-13.
49ers 26, Jets 13: Jets stay alive with big touchdown
Vintage Aaron Rodgers has the Jets holding onto hope.
On a free play thanks to an offside, Rodgers found one of his favorite receivers in Allen Lazard streaking down the field for a 36-yard touchdown pass. It was another example of Rodgers taking advantage of defensive mistakes as it was his 18th career touchdown on a free play, the most in NFL history.
49ers 26, Jets 7: 49ers running up score on Jets
Jake Moody is having himself a night.
Moody drilled a 53-yard field goal to push San Francisco’s lead to 26-7 with 3:28 left in the third quarter.
Rushing back Jordan Mason led the 49ers on a an eight-play drive to get the team in field goal range. Mason has a career-high 109 rushing yards in the contest.
Aaron Rodgers picked off
The New York Jets are in danger of being blown out after Aaron Rodgers had a pass tipped and intercepted, giving the 49ers great field position with a commanding lead.
49ers 23, Jets 7: 49ers rolling with another touchdown
No Christian McCaffrey, no problem for the 49ers.
San Francisco opened up the second half with a methodical 11-play, 70-yard touchdown drive that took more than seven minutes to take a 23-7 lead.
Brocky Purdy orchestrated the drive to a tee, accounting for 61 of the yards gained on that drive, including a deep pass to Kyle Juszczyk that put San Francisco right near the goalline. Two plays later, Jordan Mason juked out the defenders and ran to his right to punch it in.
49ers 16, Jets 7: 49ers extend lead just before halftime
The 49ers have scored 10 unanswered points and took a nine-point lead into the locker room at halftime.
Brock Purdy and the 49ers went on a 12-play, 75-yard drive that ended on a 31-yard Jake Moody field goal just before halftime.
Moody has converted three field goals in the game thus far.
Running back Jordan Mason has filled in nicely for Christian McCaffrey. Mason produced 11 carries for 74 rushing yards in the first half.
Mason and Deebo Samuel have carried the 49ers’ offense for the most part. Samuel’s tallied 38 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.
The Jets had two straight three-and-outs to end the first half.
Aaron Rodgers is 7-of-11 passing for 64 yards.
49ers 13, Jets 7: 49ers retake lead on Deebo Samuel TD run
Jordan Mason and Deebo Samuel powered the 49ers on a go-ahead 12-play, 67-yard touchdown drive.
Mason tallied three carries for 20 yards and Samuel, who is lining up at receiver and running back in the game, had a 2-yard touchdown run to cap off San Francisco’s scoring drive.
The 49ers have a 13-7 lead midway through the second quarter.
Jets 7, 49ers 6: Jake Moody hits 51-yard field goal early in second quarter
The 49ers went on a nine-play, 37-yard drive to get into Jets territory. But San Francisco ran a reverse to Deebo Samuel on third down that lost three yards. Samuel was lucky to just lose three yards. He juked multiple Jets defenders just to get close to the line of scrimmage.
The 49ers had to settle for a 51-yard field goal by Jake Moody to cut their deficit to 7-6 with 14:04 remaining the first half.
Jets 7, 49ers 3: Aaron Rodgers-Garrett Wilson connection leads to touchdown
Nobody may be happier for Aaron Rodgers’ return than Garrett Wilson.
After dealing with poor quarterback play in his first two professional seasons, Wilson connected with his quarterback several times on the third drive of the day that ended with a touchdown.
On a third down play early in the drive, Rodgers threw a signature dart to Wilson that showed off the playmaking of the two stars to keep the offense on the field. They connected four times on that drive for 45 yards that got New York inside the five-yard line. There, Breece Hall ran it in from three yards out for the touchdown to give his squad a 7-3 lead.
Aaron Rodgers makes it to five snaps
Aaron Rodgers has already played more snaps than all of last season.
He lasted only four snaps in the 2023 season, but made it to a fifth on the Jets third drive of the day. The result? An unimpressive rush by Breece Hall for no gain.
49ers 3, Jets 0: Fred Warner forced fumble leads to field goal
Star inside linebacker Fred Warner is already making an impact.
The three-time first-team All-Pro jarred the football loose from Jets running back Breece Hall and recovered the football on the Jets’ 32-yard line.
What time is 49ers vs. Jets?
49ers vs. Jets TV channel
TV channel: ABC | ESPN | ESPN2
ESPN again is the broadcast home of ‘Monday Night Football.’ The longtime team of Joe Buck (play-by-play) and Troy Aikman (color) will be on the call, with Lisa Salters adding reports from the sideline.
Viewers can also tune to ESPN2 for the ‘ManningCast’ featuring Peyton and Eli Manning.
49ers vs. Jets live stream
Live stream: ESPN+, Fubo TV
For cord cutters looking for a live stream for the matchup, you can turn to Fubo TV. Fubo TV carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action through the remainder of the season.
ESPN+, the proprietary streaming service of ESPN, will also carry the game.
Jason Kelce has hilarious ‘Monday Night Football’ debut
Not only is Monday the return of Aaron Rodgers, but it’s also the debut of Jason Kelce on “Monday Night Countdown.”
The former Philadelphia Eagles center is part of ESPN’s coverage of ‘Monday Night Football’ this season, and he started off in a fashion only he could do.
Jets vs. 49ers inactives: Is Christian McCaffrey playing tonight?
The San Francisco 49ers ruled McCaffrey inactive before the team’s season opener against the New York Jets because of calf and Achilles injuries.
McCaffrey was listed on the team’s injury report as “questionable.’ The running back has been dealing with a calf injury since early August. But many anticipated the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year to be available for the team’s highly anticipated season debut versus Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.
Running back Jordan Mason is slated to replace McCaffrey in the 49ers’ backfield.
Jets’ inactive players:
OL Max Mitchell
RB Israel Abanikanda
OT Carter Warren
TE Brenden Bates
DL Eric Watts
DL Leonard Taylor
CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse
49ers’ inactive players:
QB Joshua Dobbs
RB Christian McCaffrey
CB Darrell Luter Jr.
S Talanoa Hufanga
DL Yetur Gross-Matos
LB Dee Winters
OL Ben Bartch
Jordan Mason stats
Jordan Mason, who is expected to get the bulk of the carries out of the San Francisco 49ers’ backfield with Christian McCaffrey inactive, is entering his third NFL season.
Mason — who went undrafted out of Georgia Tech — has compiled 464 yards and four touchdowns rushing in his two NFL seasons. Mason had 206 yards and three touchdowns rushing during the 2023 season.
49ers vs. Jets: Predictions and picks
Here are the USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
Lorenzo Reyes: 49ers
Tyler Dragon: 49ers
Richard Morin: 49ers
Jarrett Bell: Jets
Safid Deen: 49ers
Nate Davis: Jets
Chris Bumbaca: Jets
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Jets
Jets vs. 49ers odds
The 49ers are favorites to defeat the Jets, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024.
Spread: 49ers (-4)
Moneyline: 49ers (-210); Jets (+170)
Over/under: 43
How to watch 49ers vs Jets on MNF amid DirecTV-Disney dispute
With DirecTV and Disney still bickering like an old married couple, DirecTV customers looking to watch ‘Monday Night Football’ between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets on ABC Monday are in for a rude awakening when they realize DirecTV no longer carries that channel.
This predicament leaves NFL fans with quite the conundrum. How are they supposed to watch the NFL’s Week 1 conclusion? Well, there is a multitude of ways to get your NFL fix Monday night without DirecTV. — Jon Hoefling
Why is Haason Reddick holding out, and how much is it costing him?
The New York Jets finally have Aaron Rodgers healthy and are looking to blossom into a legitimate contender in the AFC.
Still, when they open their season Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, they will be missing a key piece they envisioned being part of their program. Two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Haason Reddick has been on a holdout since the Jets traded for him in March, skipping all mandatory offseason sessions, including training camp. — Lorenzo Reyes
Aaron Rodgers documentary set to stream on Netflix in December
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is returning to the NFL spotlight this season. Now, he’ll have a Netflix documentary to add to the buzz.
Netflix announced Monday a new docuseries, titled “Aaron Rodgers: Enigma,” will follow Rodgers’ life off the field and his comeback journey after injury. The three episodes will premiere on the streaming service Dec. 17 and are produced by Religion of Sports, Skydance Sports and NFL Films. — Carrie McDonald
Jets vs. 49ers: A history lesson
Monday night’s matchup is the 15th all-time between the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers hold an 11-3 series edge, including winning the most recent matchup in 2020, 31-13. The two teams’ first-ever matchup came during the 1971 season, a 24-21 49ers victory. The starting quarterbacks for the 49ers and Jets that day in 1971 for you trivia buffs: Joe Namath for the Jets and John Brodie for the 49ers.
For those who enjoy testing their NFL wits with Pro Football Reference’s immaculate grids, there have been a number of notable players who played for both teams. The most famous is Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. Frank Gore, the NFL’s No. 3 all-time rushing yardage leader, also played for both the 49ers and Jets. Both Lott and Gore played their final seasons with the Jets after much more celebrated tenures with the 49ers. — Jim Reineking
Never miss a snap: Sign up for our NFL newsletter
Do you like football? Then you’ll enjoy getting our NFL newsletter delivered to your inbox .
Check out the latest edition …
Week 1 breakdown: Dak Prescott , rookie QBs underwhelm, Patriots pull off stunner
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY operates independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
