When the NFL schedule was released in May, many expected the matchup between the Rams and Jets would have playoff significance for both teams.
While Los Angeles leads the NFC West with three games to go, Gang Green is playing for pride and hopes to spoil Sunday’s chilly game at MetLife Stadium.
The Rams (8-6) will travel to less-than-ideal conditions this week. Temperatures are expected to be in the 20s, and wind gusts will be around 27 miles per hour.
“Maybe we can get a cold machine out here, go get some cold plunge or something like that,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “It’s a little bit different where you can do some wet ball drills and just work the ball handling and different things like that.
“I think when the guys get out there, obviously, the ball handling is a little bit different just based on the temperature, but they do a great job of being able to stay warm in between series, and then when you’re out there, usually it takes care of itself. They have to play in it too and we’ll handle it the best we can.”
All eyes will be squarely on Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford as the two will meet for the 18th time. Rodgers’ teams are 13-4 against Stafford.
This will be the first time the two players have met since Week 12 of the 2021 season, when the Packers defeated the Rams, 36-28, at Lambeau Field.
“I’m just excited to go up there and play,” Stafford said earlier this week about the matchup. “Obviously, meaningful football in the month of December is an awesome thing to be a part of.
“We’ve earned that and we’ve got to continue to earn that opportunity to play games that matter. This just happens to be the next one on the list. I have a ton of respect for Aaron and have competed against him a bunch of times in my career.
“He’s a hell of a player and does a great job. He’s still doing a really good job for them. He played fantastic in the last couple of weeks. He looks to be healthy, moving around and doing his thing.”
The Rams have gotten hot at the right time after winning their last three games. Stafford has passed for 663 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions during that span. In 14 games, he has 3,463 yards with 19 touchdowns against seven interceptions.
Meanwhile, Rodgers and the Jets’ offense (4-10) have been inconsistent this season. They rank 25th in yards and 22nd in points per game (20.2), which is a big reason the Jets fell into a funk and lost four consecutive games.
But the Jets ended that losing streak after their win against Jacksonville in Week 15.
Despite their offensive rankings, the Jets offense has played better recently. In their last two games against the Dolphins and Jaguars, the Jets averaged 29 points per game.
Rodgers has also played well recently, throwing for 628 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. This comes after Rodgers struggled with knee, ankle, and hamstring injuries this season.
“Matt’s one of my all-time favorite competitors to go against,” Rodgers said during his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “Just a lot of fun battles over the years, a lot of respect for him, plays the game in a way I totally respect. He’s as tough as they come. He’s savvy, he’s smart, he’s gritty, he’s competitive. I’ve always been a big Matt Stafford fan, so excited to see him.”
Gang Green’s defense, which has taken a step back since owner Woody Johnson fired coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8, will have its hands full against a Rams offense ranked 13th in yards (337.9) and 17th in points per game (22.1). The Jets have allowed 21.1 points per game in their last nine games, and the team is 2-7 during that time.
Los Angeles has two Pro Bowl receivers: veteran Cooper Kupp and second-year star Puka Nacua. The duo has combined for 124 receptions, 1,462 yards, and nine touchdowns.
Kupp and Nacua, along with Stafford, have been some of the keys to the Rams offense. The Rams will receive a boost this week after activating tight end Tyler Higbee, who will make his 2024 debut against the Jets. Higbee was on the physically unable to perform list after tearing his back ACL and MCL last postseason.
The Jets will be without cornerback Michael Carter II, who has been dealing with a back injury for the bulk of the season. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (hamstring) will be a game-time decision after not practicing this week.
“Very productive offense and it starts with the quarterback and you guys see it between the quarterback and the head coach that relationship is awesome,” Jets Defensive Backs/Safeties Coach Marquand Manuel said about the Rams.
“When I say that, it’s one of those relationships that you see in between Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, it’s special guys like Andy Reid got it with (Patrick) Mahomes, you see that relationship and you understand that it’s very cohesive, so now you add in Kupp you add in Nacua, so the combination of all of it.
“We got our hands full this week.”
