Joe@buffalowins (5-3)- Over their last 14 primetime games, the Bills are 1-13. Woof. Do fans want these night games so the whole country can see just how awful we are? As for the actual game, let’s start with the Bills defense going up against the Jets offense. We should all know what the Gailey/Fitz offense brings to the table. There’s no way the Bills will be able to get to Fitz as he’s been sacked only 9 times this season. We know Gailey’s passing offense is all about the quick passing game with doing those curl/slant routes that go about 6-10 yards. That doesn’t bold well for the Bills since they have had issues with the short throws. Also, the Bills have had issues with the screen game as their over-pursuing and missed tackles by LBs have fed into that. The Jets 1-2 punch at running back have combined for 29 catches. Gailey is master at designing screen passes from his Spiller/Fred days here and you have to think they’ll be gunning for those types of plays.
Now, Rex has had a lot of success against Fitzpatrick/Gailey. Fitz went 1-5 against Rex as a starter in Buffalo. He was only 102 of 203 for 1,217 yards, 10TDs and 8INTs. In 4 of those starts, he had less than 200 yards passing. Marshall/Decker Vs. Gilmore/Darby should be an outstanding match-up. Marshall is ripping it up with the Jets as he’s on pace for 108 catches and 1,460 yards and 10 TDs. Decker has been a good compliment to Marshall as he has 36 catches for 472 yards. The duo has 11 of the Jets 15 TD passes this year.
As for the Bills offense vs. the Jets defense, the Jets are solid across the board. They are 6th in yards per carry given up (3.8) and are 8th in the NFL in INTs and have forced 19 turnovers overall. They are also 9th in scoring defense. Now, they have given 300-yards passing in 3 straight games, so, maybe that’s something the Bills can exploit. With Revis Vs. Watkins (Note: I’m giving this to Revis), the Bills need Clay/Hogan/Woods/RBs in the passing game need to come up big. I’ve seen from some that the Jets are weak against TEs and backs coming out of the backfield, but they have only given up on an average 4.4 catches and 45 yards per game to TEs and just 4.9 catches and 38 yards per game to running backs. I just don’t like the feel of this game in NY. I just think the Jets are more balanced and what they do on offense will really hurt the Bills defense. Bills lose, 24-14.
Mike @mack10zie BUF +2.5. All things being equal, this is a coin flip game to me. I like the Bills offense better as I’ve watched to many Fitz games in my lifetime. I also like the Jets D better right now as the Bills just haven’t been able to put it all together on that side. However, all things aren’t equal right now. While their playing status won’t be know until game time, some combination of Mangold, Folk, Ivory, Cromartie, and Pryor are banged up. Normally I HATE Thursday night games. I find it extremely hypocritical of the NFL to preach safety and make guys play 2 games in 5 days. In this case, with the Bills having a bye, and then getting out of the Dolphins game pretty healthy, play Thursday night is a huge advantage. Also, Fitz was terrible against Rex Ryan while he was in Buffalo. In a year where it seems so many teams had more rest coming into the Bills game, it seems we catch a break. Plus in the NFL, when players are banged up, who wants it more comes into play in my opinion. I think the Bills needs this one more. Buffalo 23-13. I would bet the money line straight on the Bills.
Scott Michalak (@ScottyMCSS) (6-2) The Jets are banged up and have but a few days to rest up before facing a surging Bills team. It’s a big game for both teams and their playoff dreams, but the talent behind center will give Buffalo the edge it needs to take the game and that next step towards a wildcard berth. Rex will have to absorb some jeers at MetLife stadium, but Tyrod and Sammy will silence that early. Bills 27, Jets 13.
Chris@2ITB_Buffalo: It probably goes without saying that the two contests with the Jets will define the 2015 season. My biggest concern with the Jets is how the offense will perform. New York has done a good job stymieing a number of strong offenses this year and I fear for how effective the Bills will be if the offense is kept quiet. The Bills offense vs. the Jets defense match-up would be adversely affected if LeSean McCoy is unable to play or other members of the unit are held out on the short week. The Jets have done a good job stuffing the run this season and losing half of the McCoy/Williams tandem would be a blow to Buffalo’s attack.
There seem to be lingering questions about the defense and that list seems to continue to grow by the week. Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby will be perhaps the most valuable players on the defensive side of the ball. If they can keep Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker quiet, I’d say the Bills have a very good chance of coming away with a win. Rex Ryan’s ability to affect Ryan Fitzpatrick is something else I’ll be watching for. He had a fair bit of success in doing so while Fitzpatrick was here with the Bills and it would be a damn good time for his scheme to show out given the magnitude of this game. I’m a little uneasy about this one to be honest. I’m going to take the Jets in a close one.
Michael Necci @manecci (4-4?) This game on Thursday is a “Loser Leaves Town” match, especially for the Bills. The Bills can’t afford another loss in the conference for the rest of the way (except maybe at New England). If the Bills are to lose this game we can kiss the playoffs goodbye. What concerns me heading into this game on a short week is that they haven’t won back to back games all season, and Rex’s record following a win hasn’t been ideal either the last 2-3 seasons. The Bills defense really needs to set the tone early with pressure (not sacks, but consistent pressure) and turnovers. They need to get early turnovers, get Fitz and the Jets on their heels and take control of this game. My heart says Bills by 50, but my gut says Jets 27 Bills 20
Luke Wachob (5-3) @lukewachob – The Bills are not good on Thursday Night Football. Their record is 1-3, and even that makes things seem better than they are. The win came at home, against a rookie Ryan Tannehill who threw 2 picks, and included a Leodis McKelvin kick return TD. The Bills won that game… 19-14. In fact, the Bills have only scored 20 or more points once on Thursday night – that came in a 37-24 loss to the Brandon Weeden Browns in 2013. In other words, the Bills have played putrid opponents and still failed to move the ball every time they’re on short rest. I expect a sloppy, boring game where turnovers and penalties decide the winner. Boo. Jets 23-12
Brett Ludwiczak – @BLeez17 – 4-4- The dreaded Thursday night football game. Last year the Bills went on the road and it wasn’t pretty against Miami. This year it could very well be the same, but at least we get to hear about Rex Ryan going back to face the Jets. At least the Jets aren’t coming into this game playing all that well. They got their lunch handed to them in Oakland and then didn’t look all that impressive against Jacksonville on Sunday. It’s not going to be easy for the Bills but somehow I think they pull out a close win before getting a few extra days off before next week’s Monday night showdown at New England. Buffalo 19 New York Jets 16
Brad Gelber, @BradleyGelber (4-4): Call me a sucker, but every time I swear I’m off the bandwagon I somehow end up back on. I know it was only Miami, but the offense seems more than able with a healthy Tyrod/Karlos/Sammy. The question mark is more of what defense will show up? We know they aren’t the “best ever” like many expected, but can they at least be really good? They’ll have to be Thursday night. Plus there’s the whole choking in prime-time games stigma. I think it’ll be close, but I’m banking on Tyrod to make some plays late and the defense to get to Fitz. Fingers crossed. 27-20 Bills
Mike Migliore (@mmigliore) Record: 4-4- The Bills seem to win when I pick against them, so maybe I’ll stick with that. At least, they seem to win when I pick Miami to beat them. I picked the Jets to win both games against the Bills last year in this column and the Bills responded with blowout wins both times. So, I think I’ll follow the same strategy. The Bills looked very good against Miami on Sunday and they appear to be getting their key players healthy. This is, obviously, a much better team with a healthy Tyrod Taylor. They may be a true playoff contender as long as Taylor stays in the lineup through January. Still, I don’t trust them to win big games on the road, especially night games or games that take place after Halloween. The Bills haven’t won a road night game since 2001 and Rob Johnson was the quarterback in that game. This has the potential to be the ultimate #BECAUSEITSBUFFALO game with Fitz and Chan dancing on Rex Ryan’s grave. Prediction: Jets 25, Bills 18
Rich (@RDotDeuce 5-3): This game is basically Rex’s “baby Patriot” game. Sure he’ll say how much it’s just another game, but between the sit down interviews and the little digs throughout the off-season I’m not buying it. With the team as healthy as it has been all season and the Jets struggling (#ThrowAtCro) in the defensive backfield, this will be the best time for Tyrod and the offense to assert themselves. Until further notice, they’re running the show and the defense is trying to catch up. If anyone told me that in the pre-season I would’ve called you a lunatic, but here we are. I’m going to give it to the Bills, 24-20.
Sean – @SeanCorleone (5-3) – This game is pretty big, isn’t it? The Bills and Jets meet this week for the first time this season and it’s a game that both teams need to win. On top of the importance of this game, there are storylines galore. Rex versus the team that fired him. Chan and Fitz against the franchise that discarded them. 2 first year coaches in a divisional battle. IK punched Geno and is the captain. Red vs Green in a color rush that is going to complete assault on our eyes. All of it is building up for a great one. Which Fitz will show? Lets hopes its the man from Harvard who wears his wedding ring and throws picks. I honestly think this Jets offense could give the Bills defense some problems, but in the end, if the Bills offense shows up this week, I like their chances. Don’t expect another big day from Sammy. This will need to be a game where success comes from the running game and Charles Clay/Robert Woods/Chris Hogan/Tyrods legs. Give me a turnover or two by Fitz and I like their chances. If the Jets attempt 30+ passes with Fitzpatrick at the helm, that increases my confidence level. I’m too lazy to look up the stats, but 14 loses more than he wins when attempting more than 30 passes. Its science. Final prediction, Bills 20 Jets 17
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
