The New York Jets hope a change of scenery is exactly what the Week 5 prescription will turn out to be.
After a huge letdown loss to the Denver Broncos, the Jets are in London for a pivotal matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Aaron Rodgers’s group is in desperate need of an offensive rebound after mustering just nine points against Denver.
Week 5 Matchup
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However, Minnesota presents a challenge in all facets. The Vikings have arguably the most aggressive defensive scheme in the NFL, led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores. On offense, Kevin O’Connell and former friend Sam Darnold have turned the Vikings into a feared and respected juggernaut.
It will be imperative for the Jets to start fast and play their most complete game of the season. Can they accomplish that feat, or will they turn in another letdown performance?
Jets vs. Vikings Game Info
- New York Jets (2-2)
- Minnesota Vikings (4-0)
- 2024 NFL Week 5
- Sunday, October 6th, 9:30 p.m. EST
- NFL Network
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, United Kingdom
Cheerio, mate!
The Jets and Vikings will play in the NFL season’s second international matchup on Sunday, Oct. 6.
Kickoff is slated for 9:30 a.m. ET, meaning that it is New York’s third standalone game in five weeks. Only this time, Jets fans can watch their favorite team while having breakfast.
Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner, Stacey Dales and Jamie Erdahl are the broadcast crew for the game, which will air on NFL Network.
For their special international matchup, the Jets will be rocking their green helmets, white jerseys and white pants. In other words, they will be looking to bring a better performance to the international scene in what some would call their “icy” whites.
White on white in London #NYJvsMIN pic.twitter.com/ovhnw8oXPD
— Woody Johnson (@woodyjohnson4) October 4, 2024
Jets vs. Vikings Game History
- New York leads the all-time series, 8-4.
It’s an all-time matchup the Jets have the advantage.
In their 12 matchups, New York owns the edge over Minnesota with an 8-4 record. However, New York has dropped its last three matchups to Minnesota.
The Jets were smoked by a score of 37-17 in 2018 and lost a crushing 2022 matchup by a score of 27-22. The 2022 matchup was the infamous Braxton Berrios game when he dropped what would have been the game-winning touchdown from Mike White.
Jets vs. Vikings Odds (DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Spread: Jets +2.5 (-105), Vikings -2.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Jets +120, Vikings -142
- Over/Under: 40.5 (O: -108, U: -112)
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, this game should be an extremely close one.
Minnesota has a slight advantage in the spread and moneyline over the Jets. The official “home team” is 2.5-point favorites and has -142 odds for the moneyline, compared to New York’s +120. As for the spread, Vegas sees a relatively decent scoring game, as both teams are projected around 20 points.
Although I am skeptical of the Jets as 2.5-point underdogs, the odds make sense. Both teams are extremely talented and should be able to produce an entertaining game.
Jets vs. Broncos Injury Report
New York Jets
- OL Morgan Moses, Knee-Out
- LB C.J. Mosley, Toe-Doubtful
- DT Leki Foti, Hamstring-Doubtful
Nothing has really changed for the Jets regarding their injury report.
Aaron Rodgers and Alijah Vera-Tucker popped up on the injury report this week with knee and ankle injuries, respectively. However, both are fully cleared and ready to play in London.
C.J. Mosley is out once again with his toe injury, meaning Jamien Sherwood and Chazz Surratt will have to step up as linebackers against a tough Vikings offense.
Morgan Moses’s injury means that Olu Fashanu will have his second career start at right tackle. As for Leki Fotu, the Jets will either rely on Leonard Taylor III or Jayln Holmes in his absence.
Minnesota Vikings
- TE TJ Hockenson, Knee-Out
The only Vikings player carrying an injury designation for Sunday is the team’s star tight end.
Minnesota opened the 21-day practice window for Hockenson this week, and he got a limited practice in this week. Otherwise, the Vikings are healthy and ready to roll for Sunday’s game.
Jets vs. Vikings Prediction
- Minnesota defeats New York, 30-24
When it comes to the Jets this weekend, they need to be ready to play and coach at their absolute best.
On the field, Aaron Rodgers must have the offense more prepared to execute and deal with the blitz. Compared to Vance Joseph and the Broncos, Brian Flores will have an even more complex and difficult game plan.
The Jets’ defense must be ready to deal with a deep Vikings offense. They must be able to stop Aaron Jones and the run game while also playing their typical lockdown coverage against Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Most importantly, the coaching needs to be more prepared and effective. Nathaniel Hackett must create easy answers for the offense and put the team in a prime position to succeed. Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich must be willing to make adjustments if the defense is struggling.
I see the Jets putting up more of a fight in London and keeping the game close. Breece Hall and Braelon Allen will lead the offense, while Garrett Wilson will also find the endzone.
However, I see Flores getting the best of Rodgers on a drive or two, and I also envision the Jets’ defense struggling to stop the Vikings consistently. As a result, I see the Jets losing a close one to Minnesota, 30-24.
