Can the New York Jets build upon success? We’ll get that answer in Week 16 when the playoff-fighting Los Angeles Rams come to MetLife Stadium.
Week 16 Matchup
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It’s a question surrounding the Jets after their 32-25 triumph over the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. Specifically, on the offensive side of the ball, New York has looked much better than at the beginning of the year.
Aaron Rodgers looks mobile and healthier. Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams are producing and showcasing potential as an upper-tier wide receiver duo. Led by Olu Fashanu, the offensive line has held up great in pass protection and the run game.
Even better: When given the opportunity, the run game has found success.
However, these performances came against the aforementioned Jags and AFC East rival Miami Dolphins. The Florida-based teams are not exactly the epitome of defense; both Miami and Jacksonville have performed poorly against the pass for an extended period of time.
As a result, the Jets’ final three games of the season will determine how real this recent success is—starting with the NFC Los Angeles squad.
The Rams provide a tough challenge on both sides of the ball. Their young and talented defensive line will be a great test for Rodgers and the offensive line.
On defense, the high-powered Rams’ offense will be a tall task for the Jets’ defense, specifically without Quinnen Williams and Michael Carter II.
How does the rest of the matchup shape up? Can the New York Jets play the role of spoilers?
Jets vs. Rams Game Info
- New York Jets (4-10)
- Los Angeles Rams (8-6)
- 2024 NFL, Week 16
- Sunday, Dec. 21, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS
- MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
The Jets, after two straight weeks in Florida, return to the frigid cold of New Jersey this week.
New York will welcome the Rams to MetLife Stadium for a 1:00 p.m. ET game. The interconference battle will be shown on CBS with Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, and Melanie Collins on the call.
For the game, New York will wear green jerseys, white pants, and green helmets.
Jets vs. Rams Game History
In the all-time history of the matchup, the Rams hold a decisive edge.
In 15 historical matchups, Los Angeles has a 10-5 record against New York. The club’s last win was in 2016 when they bested the Jets by a barnburner of a tally, 9-6.
However, the Jets have won three of the last four matchups against the Rams. They won the last matchup in 2020, winning by a score of 23-20.
This clash is also remembered as the game that lost the Jets Trevor Lawrence and led to the selection of Zach Wilson in 2021—which could be referred to as the Frank Gore game.
Jets vs. Rams Betting Odds (FanDuel Sportsbook)
Against a playoff contender, the Jets are once again not favorites.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Jets are 3-point underdogs against the Rams. Los Angeles has a -162 moneyline, while the Jets are +136 underdogs. The O/U for the game currently sits at 46.5
Considering the injuries for the Jets, I am surprised the line is as low as three points. New York could be depleted on the defensive line and be short-handed in their secondary.
But the Rams’ traveling to the East Coast for the game and playing in cold weather could be the equalizer in this one. It will be fascinating to see how the game plays out and if the Jets can utilize the elements to their advantage.
Jets vs. Rams Injury Report
New York Jets
- CB Michael Carter II, Back: Out
- DL Leki Fotu, Knee: Out
- OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, Ankle: Questionable
- DL Quinnen Williams, Hamstring: Questionable
- RB Braelon Allen, Back: Questionable
As has been the case for the majority of the season, the Jets are dealing with a decent handful of injuries.
Slot cornerback Michael Carter II and defensive tackle Leki Fotu are out for the game, while defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is a game-time decision. If Williams is out, too, the Jets will be severely disadvantaged against a versatile and talented Los Angeles offense.
On offense, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Braelon Allen practiced fully on Friday. Missing the game would be detrimental to the Jets’ ability to have a rushing attack and a balanced offensive game plan.
Los Angeles
- N/A
Despite some players on the report throughout the week, the Rams have zero players with injury designations entering the game. This leaves them at borderline full strength for their game against the Jets.
Jets vs. Rams Game Prediction
- Rams defeat the Jets, 27-24
There’s a good chance the Rams start slow in this game against the Jets. Traveling to New Jersey and entering the cold weather could cause Los Angeles to not be on its A-game right away.
However, I feel that the Jets will not be able to overcome their injuries on defense, which will make things difficult on their offense. Kyren Willaims may have a ton of space to operate, while Matthew Stafford could pepper the slot with not Michael Carter II to cover it.
I do see Aaron Rodgers having a decent game, but it will not be the same as the past two weeks. The cold weather will likely slow down the Jets offense a bit, namely due to its reliance on Rodgers’s improvisation in past weeks.
It will be a close one in New Jersey, but I see the Rams scoring a bit more than the Jets’ offense can muster. Give me the Rams by a score of 27-24.
