In the NFL Draft of 2024, the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders are fighting for the first overall choice. But such aspirations will be dampened by the winner on Sunday.
At this stage in the NFL season, clubs that are no longer in the running for the playoffs need to shift their emphasis from winning to enhancing their draft standing.
When the Washington Commanders and New York Jets play one other on Christmas Eve at MetLife Stadium, that fact will really get to them.
According to Tankathon, Washington has a 4-10 record and the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Seventh overall, New York (5-9) will receive the pick.
If the Commanders prevailed, they would share the five-win total with the Jets; however, Gang Green would receive the higher draft pick. In April, the Commanders might secure a top-five overall selection if New York defeats Washington.
After the organization parted ways with pass-rushing dynamo Montez Sweat and former second-overall pick Chase Young at the trade deadline, Ron Rivera’s team had lost five straight games. The Burgundy and Gold have only gone 2-10 since opening the season 2-0, with a weak offensive line and secondary being a big part of their problems.
The Jets’ situation hasn’t improved all that much this season.
With the addition quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the season’s expectations were raised; however, the Jets lost the future Hall of Famer in Week 1 four plays into his debut. The offensive line has suffered a slew of injuries that have resulted in 13 players playing in 11 different combinations, taking the offense from thrilling to among the worst in NFL history.
Nathaniel Hackett, the offensive coordinator for the Jets, stated on Thursday, “It’s hard, because you’re always looking for consistency.” Because you constantly want to get better as the season progresses to get into the playoffs, the more consistency you can find from anyplace on the field, the better you’ll be and the more you’ll be able to progress.
With a top-five choice at stake, the Jets’ 32nd-ranked offensive and the Commanders’ 32nd-ranked defense will square off in a game that is unlikely to excite either fan base on Sunday afternoon.
