NY Jets name their projected starting QB for Week 18 after Aaron Rodgers 'benching'

The NY Jets have just one game remaining in what has been one of the least enjoyable, depressingly disappointing, and utterly calamitous seasons in franchise history. And, in all likelihood, that game will mark the end of Aaron Rodgers' tenure in Florham Park.

The future Hall of Fame quarterback has yet to make a decision on his future for 2025 and beyond, much like the Jets haven't made up their minds yet — at least publicly. But all signs point to the Jets parting ways with Rodgers in the offseason.

That said, there's still one more unfortunate game on the football calendar, and after Rodgers was unceremoniously benched in garbage time in the team's 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, there was some speculation about who would start at quarterback in Week 18.

Would the Jets trot out a clearly injured Rodgers in a meaningless game to end the season or would Tyrod Taylor get his first start of the year after quietly performing well in mop-up duty? The answer should've been obvious.

Is Aaron Rodgers starting for the NY Jets in Week 18?

Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich told reporters after Sunday's loss that he anticipates Rodgers starting at quarterback against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18.

Ulbrich refused to elaborate on Rodgers' performance when asked after the game, insisting that he didn't watch much of the offense and would have to watch the film before properly evaluating his quarterback — definitely the sign of a competent head coach, of course.

Despite this, Ulbrich does expect Rodgers to start at quarterback in the Jets' season finale. Anyone expecting anything different was always bound to be disappointed.

Rodgers has made it a goal for him to start all 17 games for the Jets this season after a torn Achilles wiped out his first year in green and white. He's strived to prove to himself and his teammates that he can make it through a full season, no matter how injured he's been at times.

On top of that, Rodgers is still in search of his 500th career touchdown pass, and there was approximately a zero percent chance the Jets would be able to keep him off the field with that milestone still in reach.

One could argue Taylor might legitimately give the Jets their best chance to win in Week 18, especially given the state of the team's offensive tackle situation. Taylor provides mobility that a hobbled Rodgers can't at this stage.

But this is Aaron Rodgers we're talking about. This is the 2024 New York Jets. The decision was always an obvious one.

It will be Rodgers under center when the Jets take on the Dolphins next week. Most fans are simply hoping the team can find a way to limp across the finish line of this disastrous season with as little additional humiliation as possible.

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