A few years ago, it would’ve been wild to forecast Aaron Rodgers and Sam Darnold meeting in London, except with the former captaining the New York Jets, and the latter entering their matchup as the superior quarterback for Rodgers’ old rival, the Minnesota Vikings. Yet here we are, about a quarter of the way into the 2024 NFL season, and Darnold is drawing legitimate MVP buzz for the unbeaten Vikings, whereas Rodgers is desperate to find a rhythm for the uneven Jets overseas.
In truth, this cross-conference clash across the pond is about much more than the quarterbacks. Darnold has enjoyed one of the NFL’s deepest supporting casts to start his purple reign. Rodgers, meanwhile, has showcased his trademark arm while struggling to get fully in sync with young weapons like Garrett Wilson, depending more on Robert Saleh’s defense to start 2-2. Going head to head in London, with 11 of the NFL’s last 13 international games decided by one score, is a chance for both sides to make a statement.
How can you tune in? Which players could be X-factors? And who’s actually primed to win? Here’s our preview and prediction for the Sunday morning affair:
For weeks, it’s been reasonable to call the Vikings’ litany of matchups with higher-profile contenders, such as the 49ers and Houston Texans, “prove-it” games for Minnesota. Now? It’s safe to say the Vikings should be favored in just about every matchup. It’s not just Darnold’s rise. It’s the fact he’s had basically everything — an Aaron Jones-led run game, a sturdy front, a deep receiving corps, a highly versatile defense — on his side. This Jets game could play right into the Vikings’ favor once more, as Flores’ front should be primed to get after an admittedly banged-up Rodgers.
Will the Jets keep it close as a result of their own “D”? Probably. These international games, again, aren’t so different from divisional matchups, where the unique factors — in this case, overseas travel and altered pregame routines — tend to make things especially unpredictable. And yet, the Vikings have shown too much balance across the board to be written off here. It may take an uglier, lower-scoring affair to get to 5-0, but Minnesota has the chops for it, especially with New York already facing questions in the trenches. Pick: Vikings 21, Jets 19
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