Rams vs Jets in Week 16 may be the last time these elite QBs clash

This could be the last time Matthew Stafford faces Aaron Rodgers in a football game
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Green Bay Packers v Detroit Lions / Gregory Shamus/GettyImages
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Week 16 is the Rams vs the Jets, and a whole lot more

Despite the fact that the Jets are only 4-10 on the season, the Rams (8-6) are not assured of a win against them. Since their Week 12 BYE, the Jets are 1-2, but their combined margins 79 points score versus 83 points allowed. Four total points have been the difference between these Jets and their opponents, the Seattle Seahawks, the Miami Dolphins, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jets roster is not comprised of a bunch of pie-eyed rookies. The Jets roster was assembled with the intent to compete in the postseason. Veterans came to the Jets, intending to fulfill those aspirations. Clearly, that never happened.

The thing is, veteran players don't quit after the season runs off the rails. They understand that each game matters in ways that they may not understand or see in the moment. But future contracts, and the appeal of players to NFL team general managers, depend heavily on what those players do after their postseason chances have evaporated. These players are now playing for the right to keep on playing in 2025, whether with the Jets or some otherer team.

It will come down to the Rams, the Jets, Matthew Stafford, and Aaron Rodgers. And this could the last time that these two elite quarterbacks face off in the NFL. Take nothing for granted folks. Both teams want to win this one. Both quarterbacks want to punctuate their careers by defeating the other.

But only one team needs the victory. The other is playing the game for the love of the game only. The Rams can win the NFC West Division whether they win or lose to the Jets in New York in Week 16. But the Jets need to win to preserve their pride, self-respect, and individual players' marketability.

That makes the Jets a very dangerous foe in Week 16.

As always, thanks for reading.

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