The Jets come into their Sunday divisional matchup, to face the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo is 4-3 on the year, and sitting in 2nd place in the AFC East. They are 2-1 after replacing EJ Manuel with veteran Kyle Orton. Orton has led the Bills to wins over the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, and his lone defeat was to the AFC East leading New England Patriots. Buffalo is also dealing with the loss of both their feature running backs, Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller. They will be starting Anthony Dixon, and spelling him will be Bryce Brown. Both have proven when given the opportunity they can produce.
However, its worth noting that the Buffalo Bills have not won a game (0-4) in MetLife Stadium since its opening. Feature wideout Sammy Watkins will be trying to snap that MetLife win streak that the Jets hold as of now. 77% of Watkins 35 catches this season have been for first downs, or touchdowns. He is looked to often and has produced well this year thus far. Watkins has 433 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns. With a shaky Jets secondary, Watkins could have a big day and make the difference in this game. Especially given that the Bills again are without both of their starting running backs, the passing game will be the focal point of their offense.
Geno Smith is coming off possibly his best performance of the year last week in a losing effort last Thursday in New England. Smith broke his streak of throwing an interception of every game until last Thursday in New England. He had 20 completions out of 34 passes for 226 yards and 1 TD. Smith showed a glimmer of what Rex Ryan potentially sees in him, and is risking his job security for. Smith will have a new weapon to compliment Eric Decker. The Jets acquired Percy Harvin for a future conditional draft pick. Harvin will provide a downfield threat and potentially sure up the special teams return game which has been dismal for the Jets this season. He hasn’t picked up the full offense, but will play on Sunday.
If the Jets can have a solid performance from their rushing attack which reappeared last week after a couple week hiatus, then the Jets have a real shot at knocking of the 2nd place Bills. They also will need another clean game from Geno Smith. Last week was a brief showing of what we thought the Jets would be this season. When Smith is not beating himself, and doesn’t put his defense in tough situations, the Jets will compete with most teams in the NFL. The pass rush of the Jets has been good all year, and I expect another repeat performance from the front line going up against a shaky Bills offensive line.
Prediction: The Jets snap their 6 game losing streak with a win at home. Look for the rushing attack of Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson to pick up where they left off last week, and Geno Smith continues his clean play for a 2nd straight week.
Jets 21 Bills 10
Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY