Sam Darnold and the New York Jets look for their first victory in Week 7 when the Buffalo Bills come to town for a MetLife Stadium game.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—Matchup No. 2 is here. After the New York Jets‘ disappointing 27-17 opening-season loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, the two get after it again, this time at an empty MetLife Stadium.
Where, When, All-Time
- New York Jets (0-6)
- Buffalo Bills (4-2)
- NFL, Week 7, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
- MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Buffalo leads the all-time series, 64-56-0. The last eight games have alternated results, starting with a Week 17 victory in 2016 (the Jets’ second-consecutive win over the Bills at the time). Since that 2016 matchup, the teams have gone back and forth (Jets’ win, loss, win, loss, win, loss, win, loss).
If the short-lived tradition holds up, the Jets will come out with the victory this time around.
Odds (Sportsbook)
- Money line: Bills -550 | Jets +420
- Spread: Bills -10 (-110) | Jets +10 (-110)
- Over/Under: 46 (O: -110, U: -110)
Again, it’s not advisable to promote the Jets in any gambling situation. That 10-point spread does look tempting, however, and if any Jets game was worth taking a shot on, it’s this one.
Injury Report
Sam Darnold will make his glorious return to action after missing the last two games with an AC joint injury. Mekhi Becton will also return after a two-game absence.
Just to make sure Jets fans aren’t giddy enough, young Denzel Mims and Cameron Clark will also return from injury. Unless something goes wrong at the last moment, expect Mims to start alongside Breshad Perriman and Braxton Berrios (perhaps Jeff Smith if he can play the slot).
The reason it’ll be Berrios or Smith is thanks to a Jamison Crowder groin issue that should keep him out of action. The Jets officially downgraded Crowder to doubtful on Saturday.
Alex Lewis and Sam Ficken will most likely also miss the game. This means Sergio Castillo—who was signed to the practice squad last week—will get a tremendous shot to prove his worth.
There are also questions surrounding George Fant‘s availability. His knee injury forced him to miss Friday’s practice.
For Buffalo, it’s not looking great. John Brown, Tyrel Dodson, Cody Ford, Dawson Knox and Josh Norman have all been ruled out.
Keys to the Game
Force the issue behind Mount Mekhi
Mekhi Becton is the Jets’ best player. The offensive line is among the worst in the league without him, yet they look tremendous at times (especially when rushing on first down) with him in the lineup.
Even if George Fant and Alex Lewis miss the content, the Jets should establish a healthy dose of La’Mical Perine behind the big guy on the left side.
Contain Josh Allen
Gregg Williams surely has a plan to contain Josh Allen, but will his defense be able to pull it off? Probably not.
Every pass rusher will need to stay in his respective lane and never get caught downfield. Remaining at the same depth is critical when taking on a guy like Allen who loves to escape and use the legs.
Prediction
- New York Jets 19, Buffalo Bills 23
Call me crazy, but I’ll take the Jets with the points. Ten points at home is a ton, and with Darnold and Becton back, I’ll take my chances with Adam Gase’s squad actually putting forth a solid effort.
