If you told Todd Bowles and the Jets’ faithful that Sam Darnold would give them as many wins as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers this season, you would have been hard-pressed to find anyone upset about that.
They might not have been quite as happy if you told them that win total would only be 6, but that is exactly the number only one of these teams will have after this week’s matchup.
The wheels fell off in Green Bay this year. Mike McCarthy has already been fired and Rodgers is hearing all types of criticism over his skills and attitude. One former coach has made it clear he blames Rodgers for much of the team’s problems, while a former Packers player asserts McCarthy had been a problem for a while.
It all adds up to a quandary for Green Bay management to fix next season. Just one year after signing Rodgers to a monster contract extension, it appears the new manager will have to figure out for himself whether the entrenched passer is a problem or a blessing to this Packers franchise.
New York’s coach could be on his way out, too. He is not dealing with the drama they had in Green Bay and his players are still playing hard for the most part, but this is a results-driven business. While the Jets have dealt Bowles some terrible hands in his tenure in New York, it is believed they are ready to make a change.
With Sam Darnold at quarterback and a ton of cap space to explore the free agent market, the Jets’ job might be more attractive than patrolling the sidelines at legendary Lambeau Field.
Injuries and notes
Isaiah Crowell (foot) was placed on injured reserve, leaving Elijah McGuire to shoulder the load at running back.
Quincy Enunwa is questionable with a foot injury.
Packers running back Aaron Jones is done for the year with a knee injury. Randall Cobb is dealing with a concussion.
Right tackle Jason Spriggs is also dealing with a concussion. He was playing in place of Bryan Bulaga (knee) who is still questionable for this week’s action.
Coaching matchup
Interim coach Joe Philbin is hoping decent results in the final few games will lead to the interest in him by some of the teams with openings in the head coach’s office next season. Two failed challenges within minutes of each other and losing to the Bears in Week 15 won’t help his cause.
Todd Bowles dealt with some really bad rosters and was largely hailed for getting the most anyone could expect out of them. But losing can become a habit and with a new young passer and a pending roster overhaul, Bowles is expected to be replaced after the season.
How to watch the Jets-Packers game
Fox Sports will send this game to the teams’ local markets, which means diehards can tune in for free via Sling TV.
Sling TV offers all the local and national networks you need to follow the NFL right through the playoffs. With dozens of other movie and entertainment channels included in a basic subscription, there’s plenty of great shows to watch between games.
Sling TV, like DirecTV Now and Fubo TV, doesn’t require any expensive special equipment and they’ll never ask you to sign a contract. Just tons of sports and entertainment options for a fraction of what you pay for cable or satellite.
Check out the Sling, Fubo TV, and DirecTV Now websites to see how much you can save on your entertainment budget.
Read More: NFL Week 17 Game Preview: Lions at Packers
Who will win the Jets-Packers game?
Both of these teams come in with injuries to key players and facing a losing season. Each team had some locker room issues during the year and will probably have to adapt to a new coach next season.
But only one team seems to have handled the issues well. Watch for the Jets to win their final home game for a likable and respected coach.
