The 3 matchups that will decide Jets-Bills

At 0-1, the New York Jets’ season is already on the ropes. Gang Green always knew the first six games of its 2025 schedule would be difficult. Starting in a potential 0-2 hole would only exacerbate that fact.

That’s what makes Sunday’s home contest against the defending AFC East champion Buffalo Bills such an important battle.

These three matchups will determine the outcome of the game.

Jamien Sherwood vs. Josh Allen

In the battle of the minds last week, Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood lost convincingly to Aaron Rodgers. That’s understandable considering Rodgers has over 15 years of experience over the 25-year-old, who was making his first career Week 1 start as an every-down linebacker.

After that game, it’s clear New York will need its young linebacker to do a smoother job of ensuring everyone on defense knows their assignments before the snap.

The battle of the minds will not get any easier this week. Josh Allen may not be as cerebral as Rodgers, but he’s still a very smart quarterback with the ability to beat a defense in so many ways.

This contest will be decided on whether Sherwood can stay afloat in the chess match against Allen.

New York OL vs. Buffalo Front-Seven

Against one of the best defensive fronts in the league last week, the Jets’ offensive line dominated. They rushed for 182 yards and allowed only one sack, giving Justin Fields plenty of clean pockets to throw from. In Week 1, Pro Football Focus rated New York as the sixth-best team in pass-blocking and ninth-best in run-blocking.

The test might get even easier on Sunday.

Buffalo’s defensive front is still formidable, but it struggled mightily against the Baltimore Ravens. The combination of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry led the Ravens to 238 rushing yards in their 41-40 loss on Sunday night.

Breece Hall and Justin Fields aren’t Jackson and Henry, but New York’s offensive line is better than Baltimore’s. This should be a huge game for the rushing offense.

Garrett Wilson vs. Christian Benford/Taron Johnson

Garrett Wilson had an excellent season debut, catching seven of nine targets for 95 yards and a touchdown. He should be able to parlay that into another successful outing against the Bills.

The only difference? Instead of matching up with an older player in Jalen Ramsey, as he did against Pittsburgh, Wilson will battle against one of the best young corners in the game: Christian Benford.

Freshly signed to a new $69 million contract this past offseason, Benford had a rough season debut against Baltimore, allowing five catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns.

When Wilson lines up in the slot, he could draw some matchups against Taron Johnson, who has been one of the game’s best nickel corners for years.

To keep up with Buffalo, the Jets need Wilson to have another explosive game, no matter who he goes up against.