New York Jets vs Los Angeles Rams Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024

New York Jets vs Los Angeles Rams December 22nd 2024

The Rams are favored on the road with a money line of -184 as they take on the Jets at 1:00 ET on Sunday, December 22nd at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. The Jets‘ money line odds are +155, and the Rams are -3.5 point favorites. This non-conference matchup is being televised on CBS, and the over/under line is set at 46.5 points.

Los Angeles vs. New York Key Information

With three straight wins, the Rams now sit at 8-6, putting them in first place in the NFC West. After a week 12 loss to the Eagles, they bounced back with wins over the Saints, Bills, and 49ers. In week 15, they held San Francisco to just 6 points, winning 12-6 and covering the spread as 3-point underdogs.

Heading into week 16, the Rams have a 52.9% chance of winning the division and a 53.4% chance of making the playoffs. They rank 13th in our NFL power rankings. Against the spread, LA is 7-7, with three consecutive ATS wins. Their O/U record is also 7-7, with their games averaging 46.3 points this season.

Matthew Stafford had a passer rating of 76 in week 15, completing 16 of 27 passes for 160 yards without a touchdown or interception. Before that, he threw for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns in week 14 and had a passer rating of 110 in week 13. Puka Nacua led the Rams in receiving in week 15, with 7 catches for 97 yards, following his 162-yard performance in week 14. Kyren Williams rushed for 108 yards on 29 carries in week 15.

Stay Ahead in NFL Betting! Check out NFL football expert picks for today’s game plan.

Heading into week 16, the Rams are 14th in the NFL in points per game, averaging 22.1. They rank 13th in total yards per game (337.9) and 9th in passing yards per game (232.1). However, they are 24th in the league in 3rd-down conversion percentage.

The Rams’ defense was outstanding in their most recent game, as they allowed just 128 passing yards and 63 rushing yards on 19 attempts to the 49ers. San Francisco managed only two field goals in the game, as the Rams came out on top 12-6. The Rams’ defense also limited the 49ers to a 25% conversion rate on third down and came away with three sacks.

Overall, the Rams’ defense held the 49ers to just 191 total yards. They also came up with one interception and did not allow a touchdown in the game. Los Angeles’ defense really limited the big plays, as the 49ers averaged only 4.1 yards per pass attempt.

With a 4-10 record, the Jets are 3rd in the AFC East and 11th in the conference. Our power rankings place them 18th heading into week 16, and they have a 0.0% chance of making the playoffs. New York is 2-4 at home and 2-6 on the road, and they are 1-3 in division games.

Against the spread, the Jets are 5-9, but they have covered in two straight games. In week 15, they beat the Jaguars 32-25, covering as 3.5-point favorites. The over hit in that game, marking the 4th straight Jets game to go over the line.

Heading into week 16, the Jets rank 16th in our offensive power rankings. They are 19th in the NFL in points per game (20.2) and 23rd in yards per game (307). New York has been pass-heavy, ranking 7th in pass attempts, but they are 18th in passing yards per game (217.3). On the ground, they rank 29th in both rushing attempts and yards per game.

Aaron Rodgers is coming off a strong week 15 performance, throwing for 289 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Jaguars. Davante Adams had 9 catches for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Jets scored 15 points in the 4th quarter and converted 2 of 3 red zone opportunities.

The smart way to bet begins here!

Join The Pros!

Despite allowing 136 rushing yards on 29 attempts, the Jets’ defense came up with two key interceptions in their 32-25 win over the Jaguars. Jacksonville had 421 total yards, but the Jets’ defense tightened up on key downs, allowing the Jaguars to convert on just 3 of 8 third down attempts. The Jets also had two sacks in the game.

Against the pass, the Jets allowed 285 yards and two touchdowns, with Jacksonville completing 67.4% of their passes. However, the Jets’ defense made plays when needed, helping to secure the win.

Our pick vs. the spread is to take the Jets to cover as 3.5-point home underdogs in their matchup against the Rams. Even though we have the Rams winning 23-21, the Jets’ point spread is a good value pick.

For the over/under line, with the line sitting at 46.5 points, we have a prediction of 44 combined points, making the under a good bet for this week 16 matchup.

Rams Seek to Avoid Misstep Against Jets and Aaron Rodgers

The Los Angeles Rams aim to stay atop the NFC West as they face the New York Jets on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. A loss could jeopardize their playoff ambitions, especially with divisional matchups against the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks looming. Meanwhile, the Jets are navigating a turbulent season, with Aaron Rodgers fighting to prove he still has gas in the tank.

Rodgers Reflecting on Future

Aaron Rodgers, 41, hinted that his illustrious career might soon come to an end. With the Jets (4-10) mired in a dismal season, his future with the franchise remains uncertain.
“I’ll take some time to get away from it, either way,” Rodgers said when asked about his plans post-2024.

Despite a tumultuous campaign, Rodgers delivered a vintage performance in last week’s 32-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Davante Adams, who notched his 100th and 101st career touchdown receptions.

“Historic, magical,” Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said of Adams’ achievement. “To get his 100th TD — I feel honored to have seen it.”

Rams Eye Divisional Supremacy

The Rams (8-6) are tied with the Seahawks atop the NFC West, with Arizona just one game back. A loss to the Jets could derail their momentum heading into two crucial divisional games to close the season.

The Rams are hot, winning seven of their last nine games after a shaky 1-4 start. They’ve also excelled on the road, going 4-0 during their recent stretch, including a gritty 12-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 12.

Matthew Stafford has been the cornerstone of the Rams’ resurgence. The 36-year-old quarterback has thrown for 3,463 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions this season.
“Once you go to the East Coast once, you kind of understand what it’s about,” Stafford said about Sunday’s early start time. “I kind of like it. You wake up and go play.”

Key Matchup: Quarterback Showdown

Both Rodgers and Stafford are proven commodities, and Rams coach Sean McVay views this as a meeting of two future Hall of Famers.
“It’s two greats, two guys I look at as Hall of Famers,” McVay said.

Rodgers has thrown for 3,255 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions this season, while Stafford has been slightly more efficient with fewer turnovers.

Everything you need to know about sports is just a click away on the Scores and Stats blog.

Injury Updates

The Rams received a boost this week with the return of tight end Tyler Higbee, who will make his season debut after recovering from an ACL and MCL tear suffered last postseason. However, cornerback Cobie Durant (lung contusion) was limited in practice Wednesday.

For the Jets, safety Jalen Mills (fractured collarbone) was placed on injured reserve, and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (hamstring) did not participate in Wednesday’s walkthrough. Cornerback Michael Carter II (back) and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) also sat out practice.

Outlook

The Rams need a win to maintain control in the NFC West and build momentum heading into divisional battles. For the Jets, Sunday offers a chance to play spoiler and for Rodgers to showcase that he still belongs in the league’s upper echelon. With both teams facing injury concerns, the outcome could hinge on which quarterback rises to the occasion.