Aaron Rodgers renews Matthew Stafford rivalry as Jets look to spoil

Sunday’s recreation between the Jets and the Rams is an AFC East group vs. an NFC West group that’s going to have a definite NFC North really feel to it. 

For starters, the excessive temperature at MetLife Stadium is forecast to be 25 levels. Then, you take a look at the beginning quarterbacks.

Aaron Rodgers vs. Matthew Stafford is a matchup we’ve seen earlier than. 

Rodgers, the longtime Packers quarterback, and Stafford, the longtime Lions quarterback, had some battles over time.

That is the 18th time they may face off. Rodgers has received 13 of these battles, however Stafford enters this one as the favourite with the 8-6 Rams preventing for a division title and the 4-10 Jets counting down the times to the offseason. 

Stafford, 36, was the No. 1-overall choose in 2009, one 12 months after Rodgers, 41, grew to become the starter in Inexperienced Bay. That led to loads of head-to-head matchups between the quarterbacks. 

“I really like Matt. He’s been one among my favourite gamers to look at over time and compete towards,” Rodgers stated. “Simply due to the way in which he performs, the way in which he competes — toughness, grit, arm energy, competitiveness. He’s at all times been one among my favorites. We’re not like shut mates, however I do know on my aspect there’s a ton of respect. I’ve loved competing towards him. I believe he’s a fantastic participant and has had a fantastic profession.” 

Stafford informed reporters in Los Angeles that he’s trying ahead to a different matchup with Rodgers. 

“It’s at all times a very good battle,” Stafford stated. “A ton of respect for him. [A] nice participant on this league, an all-time nice, has unbelievable expertise and has completed a bunch. It’s at all times a problem going towards him.” 

Rodgers enters this recreation with 498 profession touchdowns.

He wants two extra to turn into the fifth participant in NFL historical past with 500 touchdowns.

He’s been on a tear over his previous two video games — throwing for 628 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Rodgers has stated he lastly feels wholesome after coping with leg accidents in the course of the season.

The Jets offense has put up 58 factors and 802 yards up to now two video games. 

The Rams are 7-2 over their previous 9 and are tied for first place of their division. Stafford has been an enormous a part of the Rams’ success. He has not thrown an interception in 5 video games. 

“It’s two greats,” Rams coach Sean McVay stated, “and two guys that I take a look at as Corridor of Famers.”