When NFL and TV execs rend their garments in anguish over failing ratings, don’t point to any protest from players. Instead point at a game like this, the Buffalo Bills (5-2) traveling to MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Jets (3-5) broadcast in prime time with not a single marketable star on the field.
Obviously the NFL has shuffled this year and a team like the Bills could be a draw with a better opponent. Just looking at this weekend’s slate, it’s easy to see potential Thursday Night Football games that would have served the league better. The Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans for instance. Or how about the Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers?
Nope, we’ve got the Bills and Jets facing off on TNF at 8:25 p.m. EST on the NFL Network. Usually I’d be live blogging this one to help you get through it, but I’m covering and shooting an exhibition basketball game between the University of Tennessee men’s squad against Carson-Newman. You’re on your own this time.
The Game: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets (+3)
O/U: 42.5
The History
The Bills and Jets have played 114 times since 1960 with Buffalo holding a 61-53 advantage in the all time series.
Last year New York swept the Bills, winning 37-31 at New Era Field on September 15, 2016 and 30-10 at MetLife Stadium on January 1, 2017.
BUFFALO BILLS (5-2)
Alright Bills, you win. I admit that you’re good. How good? That’s still up for grabs, but any team that’s 5-2 or better at this point looks like they’re headed for the postseason. Last week’s complete dismantling of the Oakland Raiders not only shut me up, it started murmurs about Derek Carr’s consistency and value at quarterback. Not only did Buffalo win the game, they kind of took Oakland’s soul.
Buffalo did it with defense and running the ball, which is what you have to do with a lackluster quarterback. LeSean McCoy rushed 27 times for 151 yards and a touchdown. The defense forced two picks, two fumbles and got nine stops in the backfield. They held Oakland to just 3-of-10 on third down and held onto the ball 35:37 minutes.
The Bills will be without Charles Clay and E.J. Gaines again. Everyone else practiced this week and should play.
NEW YORK JETS (3-5)
After a surprising 3-2 start, the Jets have crashed back to earth with three consecutive losses. They’ve been close losses, but defeats nonetheless. It started with a second half collapse against the New England Patriots where they fell 24-17. That was followed by a second half collapse in a 31-28 loss to the Miami Dolphins and then a second half collapse in a 25-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. I’m sensing a pattern.
Of course, when you cut and trade away most of your veteran players, it’s easy for young guys to wilt, even with talent. And talent is in short supply on this New York team.
On the bright side, Josh McCown has been OK at quarterback. Last week against Atlanta he completed 26 of 33 for 257 yards and two touchdowns. Robby Anderson continues to sneak his way onto Daily Fantasy rosters. He caught six passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. On the season, Anderson has 27 catches for 435 yards and three scores.
On the not so bright side, New York hasn’t produced a running game in weeks and piled up just 43 total yards against the Falcons.
Lawrence Thomas is out with a concussion. Terrence Brooks and Brandon Shell are both listed as doubtful on the injury report. Morris Claiborne and Muhammad Wilkerson are both questionable, but neither guy has practiced this week.
The Pick
This is a rematch of the Bills’ opening week 21-12 win, which now seems more like an announcement of something greater than just the beating of a tanking team we thought it was back in September. New York has played much better than their record or their roster, but it’s just not sustainable. Buffalo made moves this week to improve more, but those might not pay off for a few more weeks. Against the Jets they won’t need them. Bills 24, Jets 20
Last week
Straight up: 9-4
Against the spread: 8-5
Season
Straight up: 69-50
Against the spread: 58-61
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