The Falcons and the Jets are set to face off in a crucial interconference matchup at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Both teams are currently struggling, with losing records and playoff hopes slowly fading away. The Falcons, with a 5-6 record, are tied atop the NFC South with the Saints. However, Atlanta holds the tiebreaker, giving them the de facto division lead. On the other hand, the Jets have a dismal 4-7 record and are likely to miss the playoffs once again.

One of the main storylines heading into the game revolves around the quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers, who sustained a torn Achilles tendon in Week 1, will be sitting out once again as he continues his comeback. Tim Boyle, who started last week in place of the ineffective Zach Wilson, will make his second consecutive start. Boyle struggled to get the offense going in their recent loss to the Dolphins on Black Friday. Despite picking up an interception return for a touchdown in the final minutes of the first half, the Jets were blown out 34-13. Boyle did manage to connect with Garrett Wilson on a short touchdown in the fourth quarter, marking the third offensive touchdown for the Jets in the past five games.

The Falcons, on the other hand, ended a three-game losing streak with a 24-15 home victory over the Saints last week. It was the first time in four games that Atlanta allowed fewer than 25 points, and they managed to limit New Orleans to five field goals. Their defense will be looking to replicate that performance against the Jets.

In terms of betting odds, the Falcons are listed as a two-point road favorite, with the total set at 33.5. However, it's worth noting that the Falcons have a poor 2-6 against the spread record this season as favorites, including an 0-2 mark on the road. With the Jets' defense showing some potential and the Falcons' offense being inconsistent, it's a tough call for bettors.

Moving on to another matchup, the San Francisco 49ers are seeking revenge against the Philadelphia Eagles after losing to them in the NFC Championship last season. The Eagles have been talking trash, but the 49ers, fully healthy and with ten days to prepare, are ready to prove themselves. According to Pro Football Focus, the 49ers rank first in offense and defense, and they are second in DVOA. The Eagles, on the other hand, are rated ninth. With their superior stats and a better overall team, the 49ers are favored to win at -3.

Back to the Jets-Falcons game, the focus shifts to the running game. The Falcons have made it clear that they want to win games by running the ball, and they have a strong stable of running backs to rely on. The Jets run defense, however, is ranked 31st in the NFL in yards allowed per game. They have a chance to prove themselves in this game and show that their run defense is better than the stats suggest. The Falcons boast the fourth-best rushing team in the NFL, led by rookie Bijan Robinson, who has already accumulated 703 yards and six touchdowns this season.

From the Jets' perspective, their offense has struggled throughout the season, especially in the passing game. They are averaging just 166.6 passing yards per game, the second-worst in the league. This puts them at a disadvantage against the Falcons' defense, which is graded as a borderline playoff team by Pro Football Focus.

In terms of individual performances, the Jets will rely on Tim Boyle at quarterback for the second straight week. His first start against the Dolphins did not go well, as he completed just 27 of 38 passes for 179 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. If Boyle continues to struggle, the Jets may turn to Trevor Siemian for relief.

Meanwhile, running back Breece Hall of the Jets has been called out by coach Robert Saleh for not getting more “grimy” yards. Hall has had a slump in his past six games, with only one rushing touchdown and 182 yards on 70 carries. Saleh's criticism is meant to motivate Hall to step up his game and provide a stronger rushing attack for the team.

For the Falcons, the game holds significant importance as they strive to maintain their lead in the NFC South and secure a playoff spot. With winnable games ahead, they have a chance to make a push for the postseason.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that the Jets coaching staff is familiar with Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder. They coached him during the 2022 Senior Bowl before he entered the NFL draft. Ridder lost the starting job earlier this season but has since regained it. He has thrown seven touchdowns and eight interceptions, suggesting that the Jets' defense may have an opportunity to create turnovers.

In conclusion, the upcoming Jets-Falcons matchup is crucial for both teams' playoff hopes. The Jets will be looking to improve their struggling offense and prove their run defense is better than the statistics suggest. The Falcons aim to build on their recent victory and continue their push for the postseason. With the odds favoring the Falcons as a two-point road favorite, it remains to be seen how the game will unfold.