Built in Buffalo Roundtable: Week 9, Bills at Jets

Built In Buffalo writers and contributors weigh in on the Bills’ Week 9 game on the road against the Jets

The Bills travel to MetLife Stadium in Week 9 for a divisional showdown with the New York Jets. The 5-3 Jets are a big reason why the AFC East is considered one of the best divisions in the NFL in the eyes of many. They are playing much better than people had expected and they currently have the No. 1 PFF defense grade in the league. Meanwhile, the 6-1 Bills are looking for their first divisional win of the season. Find our predictions for the game below and let us know who you’re picking in this one.

Matt Homan: When the Bills go into MetLife Stadium to play the Jets, they’ll be without safety Jordan Poyer (elbow) and Matt Milano (oblique) on defense. Many wonder if these players would be suiting up if the game was against a more worthy offensive opponent, as the Jets are in the lower third of the NFL in total offense. They have an anemic passing game and their rushing attack recently lost up-and-coming rookie Breece Hall. The Jets defense, however, is among the top 10 in the league and that might pose a threat against Josh Allen who threw two interceptions last week against a stingy Packers defense. The difference between the Packers and Jets, though, is that the Bills were able to run at will against the Packers porous front line. It might not be as easy against the Jets who hold the 9th best defense against the run. I feel this game will be closer than Vegas thinks. Prediction: Bills 24, Jets 14.

Ben Morningstar: Last week at home against the Packers, the Bills probably had their worst performance of the year in the second half of that game. And, they still managed to beat the Packers by 10. The Jets looked awful against the Pats last weekend and I think this is a game where the Bills will come and blow the doors off this Jets team. You’re not going to see Josh Allen making those silly mistakes again, but you will see Zach Wilson making them. I think this Bills defense gives Wilson fits and forces the Jets to come from behind. I like Allen to find his groove and a big game from Gabe Davis. Prediction: Bills 31, Jets 15.

Kam Towle: This isn’t the Jets team of old. The Jets, in my mind, resemble the 2017 Bills right now. Their defense is playing at a high level, they have an inconsistent offense, and they’re a young squad that may be overachieving at this point as they sit at 5-3. Jets Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will make things congested in the middle, while Jets cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed Jr. are both top five in the NFL in coverage grade (PFF). Josh Allen had a rough second half last week against the Packers, and I think he comes out with a chip on his shoulder, especially having lost the only other divisional game this year to Miami. I think we’ll see a lot of off-script, outside-the-pocket plays from Josh as he finds unique ways to burn the impressive Jets defense. And, on the other side of the ball, I don’t think playing against Leslie Frazier and the Bills defense (currently second in the NFL in PFF pass rush grade) is the best opportunity to get your offense back on track. Even with Jordan Poyer and Matt Milano out for this game, I think the Bills get pressure on Zach Wilson, who is completing just 19.1% of his throws under pressure – the worst rate in the league. Prediction: Bills 27, Jets 13.