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Bills aim to secure AFC’s second playoff spot in final home game versus the Jets

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Bills aim to secure AFC’s second playoff spot in final home game versus the Jets

**New York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (12-3)**

**Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS**

**BetMGM NFL odds: Bills favored by 9 1/2 points.**

**Series record: Bills lead with 70 victories to 58.**

**Against the spread: Jets 5-10, Bills 9-6.**

**Last encounter: Bills triumphed over Jets 23-20 on October 14 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.**

**Previous week: Jets faced a loss against the Rams, scoring 9 points while the Bills defeated the Patriots 24-21.**

Throughout the season, the Jets have struggled with their offensive game, ranking 23rd overall, 31st in rushing, 17th in passing, and 24th in scoring. Conversely, their defense has performed relatively well, sitting at 4th overall, with 16th in rushing, 5th in passing, and 16th in scoring. The Bills, on the other hand, have an impressive offensive ranking of 7th overall, with both the rushing and passing games ranked 9th, and scoring sitting at 2nd in the league. Defensively, however, Buffalo ranks 23rd overall, 14th against the run, 25th against the pass, and 11th in scoring.

When it comes to turnovers, the Jets are at a disadvantage with a differential of minus-2, while the Bills boast an impressive plus-20.

**Key Player for the Jets**
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a vital focus. The 41-year-old, who has won the NFL MVP award four times, is just one touchdown pass shy of reaching 500 in his regular-season career, a feat achieved by only four others in history. Despite facing a knee injury described as “a little MCL,” he has expressed determination to play. The veteran quarterback’s future remains uncertain as he considers his 21st season while the Jets undergo changes in leadership.

**Key Player for the Bills**
Running back James Cook is also one to watch. Over the past four games, he has exceeded 100 rushing yards three times and accumulated five touchdowns, including a receiving touchdown. As he enters this game, he is tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns with 14, ranking third in the Bills’ history for a single season.

**Crucial Matchup**
The effectiveness of the Bills’ pass rush against the Jets’ offensive line will be pivotal. The Bills have primarily relied on a four-man pass rush but currently sit 25th in the league for sack percentages per pass attempt. With Rodgers at the helm, the Jets’ line will be missing a starting left tackle due to a foot injury, which came at a tough time as they prepare for what could be a vital matchup.

**Injury Updates**
The Jets’ defensive tackle Quinnen Williams may return after missing last week due to a hamstring strain. Other injured players include cornerback Sauce Gardner, safety Tony Adams, and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. For the Bills, cornerback Rasul Douglas has returned to practice, and the starting safety duo of Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp is also working back into shape, albeit on a limited basis. Linebacker Matt Milano’s situation needs to be observed as he recovers from a groin injury, while quarterback Josh Allen seemed to have no limitations during recent practices despite previous injury concerns.

**Series Insights**
In the last two seasons, the teams have split their matchups, with the Jets managing to defeat the Bills once in each of those seasons. Buffalo has achieved four consecutive home victories since their past loss to New York during the 2019 season. The recent trend favors the Bills, who are 16-8 in their last 24 encounters after overcoming a six-game losing streak from 2009 to 2012.

**Additional Stats**
Since interim defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich took charge, the Jets hold a 2-8 record. Rodgers has been impressive, throwing no interceptions in seven of his last eight games and is on track to achieve his 25th touchdown pass this season. The combination of Rodgers and Davante Adams has produced 82 touchdowns together, placing them among the greatest quarterback-receiver duos in NFL history. Significant milestones are within reach for other Jets wide receivers, including Garrett Wilson needing just 13 yards for 1,000.

The Jets recently allowed just 110 passing yards against the Rams, marking one of their best defensive outings this season. The Bills, now one win away from clinching a playoff spot, aim to secure home-field dominance as they pursue a remarkable season ending without a home loss.

**Fantasy Considerations**
While Josh Allen has been a significant contributor to fantasy success, this matchup may hinder his statistical production against the Jets, having averaged just over 215 yards in recent meetings. Allen’s recent performance includes more interceptions, making him a risk for fantasy managers.