Built In Buffalo writers weigh in on the Bills’ Week 14 game against the Jets
The Bills (9-3) take on the Jets (7-5) in Buffalo looking to avenge last month’s divisional loss at the Meadowlands. These two teams look different than they did in their first meeting; the Jets have made the switch to Mike White at QB, and the Bills offense has been running the ball a lot better since the Week 9 loss. Enjoy our predictions below and let us know yours!
Matt Homan: Bills 28, Jets 10
In Week 9, the Jets not only beat the Bills 20-17, they were also responsible for injuring Josh Allen’s elbow in the last drive of the game, turning Bills Mafia’s world upside down for several weeks as the Bills fell to 0-2 in the division. Revenge will be on the minds of all Bills players Sunday when the Jets come into Buffalo for a crucial AFC East showdown.
In his last game against the Jets, Josh Allen threw two interceptions, completed barely over 50% of his passes for 205 yards and was sacked 5 times. He also led the team in rushing attempts, rush yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. Allen tried to do it all and it backfired. Just as they did versus the Patriots, the Bills plan of attack should be to run first to open up the passing game against a top secondary. If Buffalo can find any success on the ground, they should win.
The Jets offense, now led by Mike White, will face a defense that is close to being fully healthy (minus Von Miller and Micah Hyde). Tre White and the secondary will look to take any downfield throws away from White, forcing him to check down. I don’t see the Jets offense putting up much of a fight in this one. Bills roll, 28 to 10.
Kam Towle: Bills 31, Jets 20
Although the Bills just lost Von Miller for the rest of the year, it is still a team that is the betting odds favorite to win the Super Bowl. And, last week we saw them play like it. In the 24 to 10 win over New England, the Bills played complementary football. The defense made timely plays and forced Mac Jones and the Pats offense into third and longs and made them earn it for the entire 60 minutes (aside from the Marcus Jones catch and run TD). And on offense, it finally looks like they have a running game to support Josh Allen. It took a few months for Ken Dorsey and his group to bring James Cook up to speed, but it appears he has finally arrived. It was a breath of fresh air to see Singletary and Cook be effective in the running game. Less pressure was put on the arm and legs of Allen, and the Bills dominated the game and were in victory formation before the Pats could gain any momentum. It’s no secret that the Bills are looking to avenge Week 9’s loss to the Jets, and I think this is a whole different version of the Bills than what the Jets saw a month ago.
In Week 9’s loss, the Bills players not named Josh Allen accounted for just 48 rushing yards. Over their last three games (all wins), Bills not named Josh Allen have combined for over 120 rushing yards per game. This is quite the difference in offensive identity, and getting the running backs (and even McKenzie) going on the ground has made life easier for Dorsey and Allen. With the Jets owning one of the league’s best secondaries, this seems like a good spot for the Bills to continue running the ball and making teams respect both the pass and run. I like the Bills by double digits, 31 to 20.
Daniel Adams: Bills 38, Jets 21
The Bills seek revenge after losing to the Jets in a close game back in Week 9. The Bills are without Von Miller for the rest of the season and will once again, like most of the season, force the rotational players to step up. The Bills will still field a good defense without Miller, and the Jets uncertainty at the quarterback will surely help the Bills. The last time Mike White played the Bills back in 2021 he completed just 24 passes on 44 attempts and threw 4 interceptions. I think this week won’t be any different and the Bills will force turnovers.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Bills will learn from their last meeting with the Jets and change play calls to adapt to what the defense is showing them. The Bills will move the ball on the ground efficiently, and I believe James Cook will be given another test to see how well he can do on the ground and catching out of the backfield. Buffalo’s passing game will get in rhythm this week and Stefon Diggs will have a great performance along with Dawson Knox. Josh Allen will be smart with the football this week and move the ball with efficiency. The Bills will beat the Jets this week furthering their position as the number one seed in the AFC. I’ve got Bills 38, Jets 21.