As Monday Night Football approaches, anticipation grows for the clash between the Buffalo Bills (3-2, 2-3 ATS) and the New York Jets (2-3, 2-3 ATS). Their last encounter in Week 11 of the previous season saw the Bills dominating the Jets with a score of 32-6. Buffalo, fresh off a narrow loss to the Houston Texans (23-20), is looking to rebound as 2.5-point road favorites. Meanwhile, the Jets are coming off a defeat in London against the Vikings, where they fell 23-17, also as 2.5-point underdogs. Fans can tune in for the action at 8:15 EST from MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, on ESPN.
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Buffalo’s Protocol Under Scrutiny
The Buffalo Bills faced a challenging matchup against the Houston Texans, where quarterback Josh Allen took a significant hit, leading to concerns about his health. After briefly exiting to the medical tent, Allen returned, drawing questions about the decision to allow him to continue. He addressed this with ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg, stating, “I can only control what I can control.” Thankfully, he is not in the league’s concussion protocol, ensuring his participation against the Jets.
Although Allen’s passing average stands at 189.0 yards per game, his efficiency shines through with eight touchdown passes and no interceptions. His dual-threat capability remains a factor, as he averages 32 rushing yards per game with two touchdowns. The Bills’ running game is anchored by James Cook, who averages 61.8 rushing yards per game and has scored four touchdowns this season. However, after an explosive start, Cook has seen a dip in production. Khalil Shakir, the standout wide receiver, averages 57.5 yards per game but is currently listed as questionable due to an ankle injury, potentially leaving tight end Dalton Kincaid and wideout Keon Coleman as key targets.
Buffalo’s offense ranks third in the league, averaging 28.4 points per game, while their defense holds a respectable 12th place by allowing 21.2 points per game. The Bills’ defensive line, featuring stars like Von Miller and Greg Rousseau, has recorded a combined six sacks this season. With a total of 13 sacks and five interceptions so far, they aim to apply pressure on the Jets’ offense. Linebacker Dorian Williams leads the team with 54 tackles.
Injury Report:
Questionable: RB James Cook, WR Khalil Shakir, WR Mack Hollins, WR Curtis Samuel, DT Ed Oliver, CB Taron Johnson
Jets Shake Things Up
The New York Jets have made significant coaching adjustments following their recent defeat against the Vikings. Head coach Robert Salah has been dismissed, and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has lost his play-calling responsibilities. Todd Downing steps in as the new play caller, while Jeff Ulbrich, the former defensive coordinator, takes over as interim head coach.
In the game against Minnesota, quarterback Aaron Rodgers managed to throw for 244 yards and two touchdowns, but unfortunately also threw three interceptions. Despite dealing with an ankle injury, Rodgers is expected to play. He described the injury as a low ankle sprain, stating, “They were trying to get me in the (medical) tent … I said ‘Screw it, I’m going back out there.” Currently, he averages 218.6 passing yards per game, with a 61.0% completion rate, tallying seven touchdowns and four interceptions this season. His top target, Garrett Wilson, has recorded 33 receptions, averaging 58.4 yards per game with two touchdowns.
However, the Jets’ ground game has struggled, with neither Breece Hall nor Braelon Allen surpassing 200 rushing yards this season. The Jets rank 27th in scoring, averaging just 18.6 points per game, but their defense shines as the seventh-best in the league, allowing only 17.0 points per game. Defensive stars like Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner lead a formidable unit, while linebacker Jamien Sherwood tops the tackle count with 40.
Injury Report:
Questionable: QB Aaron Rodgers, TE Tyler Conklin, OT Morgan Moses, LB C.J. Mosley, CB Michael Carter II
Best Bets for Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets
Betting trends suggest that some may place their hopes on the Jets, anticipating a revival following major coaching changes. However, the true challenge lies within their offense, which has yet to find consistency. With Robert Salah handling the defense, the Jets excelled as the seventh-best scoring defense. The issue remains their inability to score, as evidenced by their 27th ranking in scoring. Aaron Rodgers’ recent performance, which included three interceptions, raises concerns. The Jets have struggled in the running game, making their offensive situation even more precarious.
On the other hand, the Bills boast a potent offense, ranking third in scoring. Despite recent back-to-back losses against top-tier opponents, they are expected to bounce back strongly in this primetime matchup. The Jets’ turmoil and recent coaching changes may hinder their performance against a Buffalo team eager to reclaim its momentum. Thus, placing a bet on the Bills to win and cover seems prudent.
