Picture the frozen tundra on a cold December day in Buffalo. The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills face off, both competing for a division title and playoff spots. It is a hard-fought game, but in the end, the Jets come out on top.
Week 17 Matchup
Then you awaken.
The Bills are the class of the AFC East, whereas the Jets need a class on how to potentially reclaim division supremacy. (Perhaps Josh Allen has teaching/football education aspirations.)
Due to various struggles and issues, New York is once again one of the worst teams in the league. In recent weeks, the Jets’ defense has fallen off a cliff while the offense has experienced different highs and lows.
The Bills present a difficult challenge for the Jets in every phase of the game. More simply, however, with their season all but over, it will be interesting to see if Aaron Rodgers‘s squad has any fight left.
Follow along as we preview the Week 17 matchup between the Jets and Bills.
Jets vs. Bills Game Info
- New York Jets (4-11)
- Buffalo Bills (12-3)
- 2024 NFL Week 17
- Sunday, Dec. 29, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS
- Highmark Stadium, Buffalo, New York
Although many fans want the Jets to just end the season, they still have two games remaining. Before hosting the Miami Dolphins in Week 18, the Jets first travel to Buffalo.
New York and Buffalo will face off at 1:00 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY. The game will air on CBS, and the main broadcast team of Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson will be on the call.
Nothing has been announced yet regarding the Jets’ uniforms for this weekend. But based on the Jets’ official account, the team will be wearing white jerseys and green pants.
Jets vs. Bills Game History
In the all-time series, the Bills have the advantage over the Jets with a 70-58 record.
Buffalo extended their all-time lead with their victory in the teams’ first matchup of the year. Traveling to MetLife Stadium on Oct. 14, the Bills narrowly defeated the Jets by a score of 23-20.
This was the first game of Jeff Ulbrich’s tenure as interim head coach, as Robert Saleh was fired after the team’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Breece Hall ran for 113 yards and had 56 receiving yards, while Garrett Wilson had a touchdown and over 100 yards receiving. Rodgers finished with 294 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception through the air.
Jets vs. Bills Betting Odds (FanDuel Sportsbook)
To the surprise of no one, the Bills are significant favorites against the Jets.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Buffalo is a -520 favorite, with the Jets being +400 underdogs. The spread of -9.5 favors the Bills, while the spread is currently an over-under of 46.5.
This should not be a surprise. Buffalo is the far superior team to New York in every possible way. Barring a disaster, the Bills should cover and win this game outright.
Jets vs. Bills Injury Report
New York Jets
- DL Leki Fotu, Knee: Out
- CB Michael Carter II, Back: Questionable
- CB Sauce Gardner, Hamstring: Questionable
- OL Morgan Moses, Knee: Questionable
- EDGE Braiden McGregor, Ankle: Questionable
- DL Quinnen Williams, Hamstring: Questionable
- WR Davante Adams, Hip: Questionable
- S Tony Adams, Ankle: Questionable
- EDGE Haason Reddick, Neck: Questionable
- K Greg Zuerlien, Knee: Questionable
Unsurprisingly, the Jets have a big list of players dealing with injuries.
Sauce Gardner, Michael Carter II, and Quinnen Williams logged limited practices on Friday and are up in the air for the game. The Jets, against an elite quarterback and talented offense, would be in an extremely disadvantageous spot without three of their best overall players.
On offense, the Jets should have the majority of their players available. Davante Adams and Morgan Moses are both banged up and would be big losses for the Jets if they cannot suit up.
Special teams even got in on the action this week; despite carrying an injury designation, kicker Greg Zuerlein is expected to be activated and kick against the Jets’ division rival.
Buffalo Bills
- S Damar Hamlin, Rib: Questionable
- CB Cam Lewis, Shoulder: Questionable
- S Taylor Rapp, Neck: Questionable
- WR Curtis Samuel, Rib: Questionable
The Bills are dealing with a moderate amount of injuries heading into their matchup against the Jets. Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp would help the Jets’ ability to pass during the game, but it would not significantly shift the scope of the game. Curtis Samuel is more of a depth piece for the offense, as is Lewis for the defense.
Jets vs. Bills Game Prediction
- Bills defeat the Jets, 30-17
As I said above, it would be a significant upset if the Jets beat the Bills on Sunday.
Buffalo’s offense is equipped to attack all of New York’s weaknesses. Its run game is very effective, and Josh Allen is one of the best scramblers at quarterback in the league.
New York should find some room to operate against Buffalo’s defense. However, with their ability to get key stops and force turnovers, I do not see the Jets doing enough to win the game.
Additionally, Buffalo has to win this game to essentially clinch the AFC’s second seed, while the Jets are playing for nothing.
All in all, the Jets’ odds are significantly stacked against them, and I do not see them overcoming them. Give me Buffalo by a score of 30-17.