In a turn of events that few could have predicted, Rex Ryan has brought out the best in Buffalo. Be honest with yourself, did you ever really expect Tyrod Taylor to become one of the most effective quarterbacks in the NFL? Us neither, but we’re definitely not complaining. After a strong win against the Miami Dolphins, the Bills have put themselves in a strong position to be playoff contenders for the first time since 1999.
One of the biggest surprises for the Bills has been the aforementioned revelation of Tyrod Taylor, who has done an admirable job in his first year as a starter. It should be noted that Taylor spent years patiently riding the bench with the Baltimore Ravens while becoming accustomed to a pro-style offense. The wait seems to have paid off.
Taylor beat out both EJ Manuel and journeyman Matt Cassel, the latter of which was traded to the injury-riddled Dallas Cowboys in September, for the starting spot. Despite missing two games with a knee injury Taylor, showed up against Miami had what one outlet called “the best game of his short career,” scoring a touchdown and completing 11 of 12 passes in a win that saw the team relying heavily on its running game. The game against the Jets will likely see Taylor airing the ball out a bit more as the Bills go up against a tough defense that will do its best to stuff Buffalo’s ground attack.
This is a must-win game for Buffalo. A victory would catapult them to second place in the AFC East and one step closer to a playoff appearance. The staff at this page offer a more detailed analysis of the team’s chances and have the Bills listed at 23/20 odds of beating the Jets, with the game expected to be a barnstormer with the total points for the day predicted for +43.5 at 17/20 odds. If Buffalo’s high scoring performance against Miami is any indication, we’re expecting the same results during a war of the running backs between LeSean McCoy and New York’s Chris Ivory.
Sources report that Percy Harvin will be out for the season with a knee injury as the veteran wide receiver has been placed on injured reserve. To help mitigate the loss of Harvin, Sammy Watkins is thankfully healthy and should be back in the line-up for the game against the Jets.
Rex Ryan will continue his run as the greatest troll in the NFL (at least when it comes to captain selection) by selecting yet another scorned player to participate in the coin toss against his former teammates. For the game against New York, Ryan has chosen former Jet IK Enemkpali as the captain. Enemkpali made headlines earlier this year after he was promptly waived from the team after breaking the jaw of quarterback Geno Smith during a personal dispute.
If the Bills can stay healthy and hold it together, the playoffs are looking more probable by the game, but it will have to start with a big win against New York.
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